Tokyo dream still reality for Caradh
FRESH from competing at the World Karate Championships in Madrid, local athlete Caradh O’Donovan says that despite what she describes as a terrible week for Irish Karate, her focus very much remains on getting to Tokyo 2020.
Caradh is the highest ranked Irish karate athlete in the Olympic rankings which is some achievement for someone who only took up the sport just over a year ago.
Ahead of the recent Championships in Madrid, Irish Karate found itself embroiled in controversy when three senior coaches were removed from their positions leaving 7 fighters of the national team with no option but to write to Sport Ireland about their dissatisfaction.
Caradh (33) from the Strandhill Road, is a former kickboxing champion and now a full-time karate athlete. 2018 has been a huge year for her in her quest to compete at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and with the Sligo woman winning a national title among other accolades, that dream was very much alive.
The World Championships in Madrid (November 6-11) were crucial in terms of Olympic qualification and Caradh admits the divide in the Irish camp going into this competition really affected her chances of medalling.
She said: “We just had a terrible week with our coaches being sacked and ultimately that cost me a medal at the Worlds.
“The WKF World Championships took place in Madrid and was the most important event in the Tokyo 2020 qualification process. “We competed in what can only be described as a toxic environment with no coaches and the team really was affected negatively.
“There were 76 countries entered into my weight category (-61kg) and I got a bye in the first round and fought Jordan in the last 64.
“I was winning the fight up until the last 15 seconds but a video replay card from her coach gave her a one point lead and she went on to win. The coach who sat in my chair didn’t understand the rules and even though I scored on my opponent I couldn’t get the score as he refused to use the replay card. My opponent went on to win a few more bouts and ultimately secured hundreds of ranking points that I could have had. I was absolutely gutted.
“It’s been a week since we’re back so I’m only just recovering now and I’m now getting focused on the new season in January.”
She explains that she is now switching her focus to what 2019 will bring.
“I’m a lot more positive now however and I’m looking forward to the new season.
“I am proud of my performance and I know getting selected for a Senior Europeans and Senior Worlds after over a year in a sport is unheard of so I’m happy with that.
“I’ve also gotten more vital Olympic ranking points and am the highest ranked Irish athlete in the Olympic rankings.
“But at the same time I want to win and I am now determined to improve even more.
“I’ve made a commitment to myself now that no matter what the conditions are I’m going to succeed; I’ve done so in one sport and I’ll do it in this one too!”
It is that determination that shines through for the Sligo athlete on the competitive stage and she is looking forward to another busy few months competing.
“Next up for me is a couple of international events in January and February with ranking events in Spain in March (Series A) and the European Championships 2019 at the end of March.
“These are a qualifier for the European Games next year and the top three will qualify.
“I’m looking forward to getting back training for all of this,” Caradh added as her dream for Tokyo 2020 is still very much shining brightly.
I HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT TO MYSELF THAT NO MATTER WHAT I AM GOING TO SUCCEED.