Matthew Chalk
Matthew said: “In karate I have always been fortunate enough to make the podium on a regular basis, but since starting at Pro-Life I can say that all the hard work is paying off with my performance going from strength to strength and my results are more consistent.
“My immediate goal is to be selected to represent the Scotland national team and, in the longer term, Team GB as an Olympic athlete. With the dedication and support of my karate club and coaches, and Pro-Life’s continued support, I am sure this will become a reality in the not too distant future.”
He added: “I started training at Pro-Life in June 2016 as one of their sponsored athletes.
“Initially when I started with them I booked in with the Pro-Life instructors who put together a training plan for me, working on my core strength and speed.
“I can certainly say that Anton certainly put me through my paces.”
Matthew’s list of honours is endless following a number of successes over the course of the past 12 months.
Two gold medals at the Scottish National Championships in Edinburgh last June saw him kickstart a busy period which saw him leave for the WKF Youth World Cup and training camp in Croatia, where he made it through to the third round.
A top 10 finish in the Banzai Cup in Germany was followed by a silver medal at the British International Open in Sheffield, before bronze medals in the Venice Cup, Harasuto Cup and the Scottish International Open in this April.
This year’s Scottish National Championships brought home another two silver medals before another trip to Croatia for the Youth World Cup and training camp.
For Matthew’s mother Jeannette, who herself has been competing in karate for over 30 years, her son’s success has made her very proud.
Knowing the work and effort he has put in to make himself the best he can be, Jeannette can’t hide her pride as she discusses his achievements.
She said: “It has been fantastic to see Matthew go from strength to strength, and it is a real reward for all his hard work and effort.
“The support that Pro-Life provides has been invaluable and goes a long way over the course of the year, helping him get to tournaments and things like that.
“He has been taking part in karate since he was in nappies, and there was a good chance he and his brother were the youngest registered club memebers in Scotland at the time.
“So for him to have gone so far really makes me proud.”