Euro bronze for Willis:
Bronze success for Stephanie at Euros
East Mains taekwondo athlete Stephanie Willis claimed a bronze medal at the European Championships in Bulgaria.
Willis was joined by her Master Hutton Fitness team-mates Alexander and David Gray in Sofia as part of the Scotland national team, but only she returned home with something to show for her efforts after helping her country to bronze in the team power event.
The Scots lost in the semis to eventual champions Finland but still picked up a medal.
Nearly 700 competitors from 32 European nations took part with most of the world’s best martial artists in action and any medal winning performance was going to be an extremely difficult task.
Willis went out to the eventual Norwegian gold medallist in individual pattern in the first round and just missed out on an individual power medal, finishing fourth overall.
Meanwhile, David Gray, narrowly missed out in his quarter final sparring bout to Norway, depriving him of the opportunity of a semi-final bout with fellow Scot Gilles Brown who went on to win the gold medal.
In his Pattern quarter finals David lost to Russia.
His brother Alexander lost his second round bout to the host champion from Bulgaria who reached the final as Scotland finished eight overall, with three golds, one silver and six bronze awards,
The trio’s coach, Master Hutton, said: “On their return to the academy it was quite clear that the three athletes were disappointed with their narrow defeats, however they realise that sometimes it’s just small margins on the day that make the difference when competing at the top European level.”
Preparations now begin for the world championship in Dublin in October and Master Hutton added: “Our senior competitors have very fond memories of travelling to Ireland and competing in tournaments and have many friends over the water.
“I regularly hold training classes in Ireland and know exactly what it will take to compete at this tournament.
“I’ve spoken to everyone individually to ensure that they realise they must step up their training now and aspire to raising their personnel standards to an even higher level.”
She returned home with something to show for her efforts after helping her country to bronze in the team power event