News

Historic Bronze for UCC Athlete at European Kickboxing Championships in Athens

6 Dec 2024

UCC's athlete makes history, earning a bronze medal at the WAKO Senior European Championships in Athens, a first for the university in Kick Light.

Representing Ireland at the European Championships:

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to compete at the WAKO Senior European Championships, held in the vibrant and historic city of Athens, Greece. It was an unforgettable experience, both for the challenges faced in the ring and the camaraderie shared with athletes from across Europe.

The tournament brought together the best kickboxers on the continent, and I had the privilege of representing Ireland in the Kick Light discipline. Over the course of the competition, I fought four intense bouts against highly skilled opponents from Bulgaria, Israel, Slovenia, and Turkey. Each match pushed me to my limits, testing my skill, strategy, and determination.

In the semi-final, I faced the eventual champion in a fiercely contested bout that ended in a split decision. While the result didn’t go my way, I was proud to have left everything in the ring. Walking away with a bronze medal was a personal milestone—and a historic one too. It marks the first-ever medal in Kick Light to be earned by a UCC or BMA athlete at the European Championships.

Competing on this stage has been an extraordinary experience. It’s a testament to the hours of training, dedication, and support from my coaches and teammates. Athens itself was a stunning backdrop, adding an extra layer of meaning to this journey.

Check out some photos from the trip to see highlights of both the competition.

Article from UCC Sport Scholar Taylor Heffernan

Photos by Liz White