BIG HITTERS Kickboxing kids return from Italy laden with medals
Two Wishaw kids returned from the Kickboxing World Championships with an impressive medal haul.
James ‘The Warrior’ Graham and Jay Buddie travelled to Italy in the hope of winning a medal at the World Kickboxing Association showpiece.
But amazingly, James lifted three gold medals and a silver whilst Jay managed to bag four silvers and a bronze.
Eight- year- old James, from Woodgreen Court, shocked the world last year with victory in Carrara but he built on his success in tremendous fashion.
The Warrior bagged gold in the light contact 25kg category and the full contact 25kg category as well as the new boxing section at the tournament.
James’ dad, also called James, admitted the whole family were blown away by the success.
He said: “We went over there thinking that James had a good chance of getting a medal and if he managed a gold that would be tremendous.
“But for him to come away with three golds is unbelievable. We’re all blown away.
“James showed his true character because he had a big battle mentally as well as physically.
“We’re all so proud of him and the fact he won a boxing gold after training for only two months is a huge credit to Shire ABC where he’s been training.
“The first thing we did was thank Scott Allan and the team at Rival’s Gym as that’s where James goes for kickboxing.”
James was joined in his medal success by 11-year-old Jay, who goes to St Thomas’ Primary.
Jay faced a tough task as he had to move up to the 32kg category and also missed six weeks of training due to a severe ear infection.
But the Wishaw youngster showed his true grit and managed to storm to medals both on the mat and in the boxing ring.
Jay’s parents, Lisa and Paul, were over the moon with Jay’s achievements as another Rivals