2 days ago
Ayrshire martial arts stars shine on the European stage in Lisbon
ATA Kilmarnock members bagged a horde of medals from the prestigious event
A Kilmarnock martial arts school is celebrating after their members shone on the European stage.
ATA Kilmarnock took eight members to the recent ATA European Camp and Championships in, and returned home with a phenomenal 11 medals.
The octet of Grayson Docherty (8), Cara Whelehan (9), Michael Reid (10), Brogan Manson (12), Raymond Jeffries (17), Lewis Cowan (18), Stuart Reid (40) and Mark Manson (52) wowed the judges with a string of tremendous displays as they proved they could mix it with the best that Europe has to offer in Songahm Taekwondo.
Michael secured the European title in weapons. He, along with Cara and Stuart, also picked up double silvers.
Cara bagged hers in extreme forms and extreme weapons, with Stuart picking a brace of silvers in weapons and extreme weapons. Michael was runner-up for combat sparring and extreme weapons.
He bagged a sensational four medals, picking up bronze in the sparring while fellow team-mates Stuart, Mark and Raymond also medalled with their bronze medals arriving in the forms (Stuart) and weapons (Mark and Raymond) events.
It's a string of results that, quite rightly, has left ATA Kilmarnock owner John McCulloch bursting with pride as he paid tribute to everyone involved in the club's success.
It had been a long time coming, too, as they hadn't been able to send competitors to the prestigious event since before the Covid pandemic.
Speaking to the Standard, he said: 'We were over the moon to be honest. It's been a while since we were involved in European competitions, not since before Covid.
'It was absolutely fantastic and a great achievement from everyone. There was lots of great performances across the board from all of our members.'
It wasn't just medals that were gained in Portugal either, as John explains: 'Cara and Michael both got their black belts as well. It was remarkable.
'Part of the juding team was Grand Master Lee, the highest person in our organisation, and there was also the highest ranking person in the UK, Europe and South America, so it was the top, top people judging them and it was an amazing event.'
John was also keen to pay tribute to not only the club's competitors, but the supporting cast as well for making it all possible.
He said: 'It was the first event where I wasn't competing and it was different. I was like a proud parent. I was up and down and cheering and to be honest I forgot what that was like.
'I really want to congratulate all of them for all the hard work they put in, especially in the last two months.
'But they were all supported incredibly by mums and dads and families who put so much time and effort in to making it all possible.
'They have to make sacrifices and it's not easy. Some of these kids are training six days a week, two or three hours at a time, so it's a remarkable commitment.
'To see their dedication, it makes your heart pound. I'm delighted for them all.'
