News
Conor McGlinchey Kickboxing World Champion
.png)
This week I competed at the W.A.K.O World Kickboxing Championships in Albufeira, Portugal. With over 70 countries and 1670 athletes in attendance. Before the fighting began, I was honoured with the task of taking the Athlete’s “Fair play & Manipulation Oath” on stage at the opening ceremony of the championships, a great privilege.
Following Weigh Ins, the week began with a tough draw against a strong Guatemalan opponent. Starting strong, I managed to close out the fight in round 1 with a maximum score win of 12-2. The following day, I moved on to face a fierce Brazilian opponent, this time closing out the fight in the second round with another maximum score win of 12-2. Now in medal contention, I faced the World Number 3 contender, a compelling Austrian fighter. I managed to finish the fight with yet another maximum score win, catapulting me in to the final to face a strong, previous opponent from Great Britain. I had previously competed against this fighter from G.B in the European University Games in 2022. The final was a close and nail-biting encounter lasting three full rounds. After round one I was ahead by 2, round two and three both finished even on the scorecard. At which point, we entered one minute of extra time, where I dug incredibly deep and pulled away, with a concluding score of 14-19 to win the W.A.K.O World Title.
It is very hard to put into words what I am feeling at the moment. I have dedicated the last 20 years of my life to achieving this goal (among others) and to have finally reached its peak inexpressible. Although I am grateful to be in the position I am, it is not surprising. I train 2-3 times daily, 6 days a week, balancing Kickboxing with my degree, work and private life. I have made more sacrifices than I care to remember, but standing on the top of that podium with a gold medal around my neck and Amhran na bhFiann playing makes it all worth it. I am forever indebted to UCC and UCC Sport for providing me with the tools necessary to reach excellence in every aspect of my life, not just in sport. This will be a memory I cherish for many years to come, and I am honoured to do it with the support network of great people around me. Here’s to the next!
(Article from Conor McGlinchey)