11-YEAR-OLD DUNDALK KICKBOXER FIGHTS HIS WAY TO GLORY
A budding Dundalk kickboxer fought his way to glory in the WAKO World Kickboxing championships last week.
Eleven year old Ryan Del duca was crowned the 2016 Wako Musical Weapons World Champion at the competition which was held in the City West hotel.
An intensely competitive event, it attracted top kickboxing talent from around the world.
The CBS pupil, who is a member of the local D-Mas-F club overcame a slight hitch to put on a knock out performance with his chosen weapon, the Bo Staff.
Proud mum Fiona explained how his dedication to the sport saw him hold his nerve to take the top title for his age group.
‘He has put in so much work over the last few months, training hard to be the best at his routine,’ said Fiona.
‘Since April he has been really focused, putting in so much practice. His whole summer holidays from school were spent at training sessions, preparing for this competition.’
She praised coach Monique Martin from D-Mas-F for her commitment to Ryan, and the support and guidance she gave as he prepared for the championships, saying:
‘Monique has been an amazing support, a comfort blanket to him really.’
‘With all of the training, and support from Monique, he was confident in himself that he would be able to do well. His determination shone through so much that people in the audience were saying he had the heart of a lion.’
There were celebrations at the Dundalk Mas F club when the new world champion made his way back to training last week, and preparations for his next challenge, the 2017 European championships.