Family fortunes for the Gaughans
Father, son and daughter take Worlds medals
A father, son and daughter combination from Hamilton’s Darjay School of Tae Kwon-do took medals from the World Championships in the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham.
Stuart Gaughan took bronze in men’s middle weight division, son Mark won silver in sparring, and daughter Hollie earned a bronze in sparring.
They were part of a seven-strong team that also included Andy Hughes, Jennifer Boyle, Ross Kerr and Robbie Hughes, plus instructors Daryn Duncan, Hayley Duncan and Jayson Duncan.
A family doing well in the sport is no surprise to Jayson Duncan – because the tae kwon-do club was started by his older brother Daryn and mum Hayley.
Jayson said: “All of the students who went down did well, and it’s amazing that three came back with a medal. They did really well.
“Mark has been with us for about two-and-a-half or three years, then Hollie got into it because the whole family came to watch.
“The two of them were taking part and then we held a parents’ night, to show that it’s not as easy as it maybe looks, and Stuart really enjoyed it. He’s been with us for about 14-15 months now, and he’s placed at the World Championships!
“They’ve all been competitive for a full year, and Stuart took part in his first competition at the Scottish Championships last year after only four weeks of training, and I’m pretty sure he placed then as well.
“He’s really keen to keep his fitness up, goes running and things like that, and that wee bit extra fitness really helps.
“It’s fair to say they all work really hard.
“It’s great for the kids, because it helps with discipline, but they love it as well. Having their dad in the same class really helps and we try to keep them close together.”
Jayson added: “Daryn started the club and my mum Hayley and myself then started, and that’s been 22 years now.
“As instructors we see families all the time, probably mostly because it’s a non-contact sport.
“Kids love that, because they can fight against their dad, but without anybody getting hurt!”
The club train on Mondays from 6.30pm-7.30pm, 7.30pm-8pm, Thursdays from 6.30pm-7.30pm and 7.30pm-8.30pm at Hamilton College, Bothwell Road, Hamilton.
For more call instructors Hayley Duncan on 07703 837726, Jayson Duncan on 07414 274422 or Daryn Duncan on 07789 952933.