BEN BATTLES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDAL
PONTYCLUN’S Benjamin Arnesen took home a bronze medal at the 2016 Taekwondo World Championship held in Birmingham.
Taekwondo-mad Ben, 14, took up the sport just four years ago in 2012 after moving back to Pontyclun from Cyprus.
He competed alongside more than 3,000 competitors from all over the world at the Birmingham Barclaycard Arena on July 16 and 17.
Ben said: “I love competing, it’s my favourite thing about the sport. I was never interested in anything else.”
The teenager took a hard fought bronze medal in the junior red belt heavyweight sparring division after four gruelling fights, only narrowly missing out on a place in the finals.
Ben’s trainer Neil Gimbel said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Ben and a great follow up to his recent third place at the Welsh Open Championships earlier in the year.
“Ben is the first student at the Cowbridge Neil Gimbel Taekwondo School to get a medal at a World Championship level and is now a role model and inspiration for all his training partners.
“Years of dedication and consistent training is starting to pay off and I have no doubt that this is only the beginning of a great sporting journey and that more amazing results will follow. Well done Ben!”
The Cowbridge Comprehensive School pupil now has his sights set on the Olympics to follow in the footsteps of gold medal winning Jade Jones. Ben trains three nights a week and on a Sunday morning. His family describe him as very active, determined and dedicated.
Ben’s mum Michelle Arnesen said: “Ben is so independent. He’s taekwondo-mad. I am so proud of what he has achieved!
“He’s hoping to get to the Scottish Championships in September next so I’ve got everything crossed for him.”