Kickboxer scoops big medal haul
A LLANELLI kickboxer has scooped gold and silver medals representing Wales at a top international competition.
Bethan Williams, 22, competed in the WKU World Kickboxing Championships in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Over 30 counties took part in the four-day competition and Wales finished fourth in the overall rankings.
The competition saw Bethan clinch two gold medals in the women’s light continuous and women’s points fighting within her age and weight category.
She also took two silver medals in the women’s light contact team event and women’s points fighting team event.
Bethan has risen through the ranks since taking up the sport a decade ago and she now runs her own kickboxing club in the town, as well as competing. She has been at the helm of the WCKA Llanelli at Felinfoel Community Resource Centre for the past three years.
Bethan said: “It was great to get on the podium at the WKU World Kickboxing Championships in Cardiff and it was one of the first competitions for me since the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was great to get back into it.”
Looking ahead to 2023, Bethan added: “Next year I am hoping to compete in full contact competitions, so I will be working towards those.
Turning to the Llanelli branch of the WCKA she said: “I took over the club three years ago, when I was 19.
“I was with Swansea WCKA and the person running the Llanelli club finished and I was asked if I wanted to take it over.
“It has been great opportunity to teach young students and I just want to inspire and pass my skills onto them.
“There are almost 40 members at the club now and the ages range from four to around 50, so any age can get involved in the sport.” Bethan added: “Over the coming weeks until the end of the year I will be focussing on grading the students at the club before setting my sights on competing next year.”