A Northern Cape learner has brought home two medals from the African Union Sports Council’s 21st UFAK South Children Junior and Senior Karate Championship in Namibia.

Northern Cape High learner Micke Strydom has been participating in karate competitions since the age of eight after being inspired by her brother who started karate a while before her.

“As a kid, I always loved sport and keeping busy, little did I know how much karate would become a part of my life,” said Strydom.

Micke Strydom after winning her bronze medal for Kata. Picture supplied

A short-term goal is to compete at the world championships at the end of the year, as well as to continue to learn from the sport and bettering herself as a person.

Strydom went through the selection process at the start of this year’s national karate trials where she was selected to form part of the Karate South Africa National Squad.

After being selected to be part of the squad, Micke had to participate in as many national competitions to accumulate points to be ranked on the system which then determines whether one gets selected for the AUSC Region South Championship or not.

Micke Strydom after winning bronze alongside her coach Peter Stegman. Picture supplied

“This year I have won numerous national medals and at the AUSC Region South Championship I won a bronze medal for Kata and a silver medal for Kumite.”

Strydom added that this competition was only the beginning of her journey and how far in this sport she is yet to reach.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg