Karate kid

Gartcosh boy Euan is now the best in Britain

A Gartcosh boy has confirmed himself as the best in the UK for his age group after winning the gold medal at the British international open.

Euan Barton, nine, has honed his craft at Airdrie’s Satori dojo since he was three years old.

Earlier this year, he earned the silver medal at aa separate national event.

But this time, the Gartcosh primary pupil was able to go one step further and claim the title in the 25kg+ category for seven to nine-year-olds.

Not only that, the dedicated youngster was also part of the Satori team that won their event in e same age group during the event at the end of last month.

A delighted Euan told the Advertiser: “It feels pretty cool to be British champion. “I like the competition and love improving. “I didn’t know what to do when I won because I was so excited so I just started banging my chest!

“I took my medal into school to show all my friends and I want to keep getting better as I grow up.”

Euan’s coach at Satori, David Campbell, said: “He works unbelievably hard and tries his heart out to be the best.

“Euan never misses a session and his future is in his own hands.

“I’ve known him for six years and we have a good relationship.

“He takes on all instructions and isn’t one of these boys who thinks they know everything and wants to do it himself.

“Euan sacrifices a lot to keep training hard and improving and I’m delighted for him as he deserves this.

“He’s a very grounded lad soI don’t think this will sink in until he reflects on it when he’s older.”

Euan’s parents Shona and Paul were in Leicester to see their son be crowned number one. Paul said: “We’re very proud parents. “We didn’t quite expect this but we had hopes for the competition because of Euan’s talent.

“He won five fights to take the gold in the singles event and then three in the team event, so he won eight fights over the weekend.

“The Satori boys all seem to be in really strong shape and they have the Scottish championships next month so we’ll see how they get on.”

Young gun Euan shows off his medals