Eleven-year-old girl is favorite for future Olympic glory

Eleven-year-old girl is favorite for future Olympic glory

Anya stands in her kickboxing gear next to a punching bag and holds a trophy in her hand

At just 11 years old, Anya has already won 27 world championship titles and 15 European championship titles (BBC)

An 11-year-old kickboxer from Newquay is predicted to be a future Olympic gold medalist.

Anya started wearing gloves and pads at the age of four and has already collected 27 world championship titles and 15 European championship titles.

Although it is not currently part of the Olympic Games, there is hope that it will be added in Brisbane in 2032, according to Sharon Gill, coach of Anya’s Team GB.

Speaking about her prodigy, Ms Gill said: “We are trying to get to 2032. That would be great and hopefully she would be at the peak of her abilities then – the timing would be perfect.”

Anya described the opportunity to compete in the Olympics as a “dream.”

She said: “When I was selected for Team GB I knew I had really great talent.

“It just feels really good when I fight, it makes my head clear and happy.”

Matt, Anya's father, stands in a garden with houses and other gardens behind him and houses to the right. He is wearing a light green top, glasses and a backwards baseball cap.Matt, Anya's father, stands in a garden with houses and other gardens behind him and houses to the right. He is wearing a light green top, glasses and a backwards baseball cap.

Anya’s father Matt said his daughter had a “natural talent” (BBC)

Anya’s father Matt said: “She gives up a lot, all her school friends go out and do things at the weekends but we go to London, Manchester, Bristol or she might fly to another country to fight.

“But she doesn’t bat an eyelid because she just wants to be the best at what she does.”

A cabinet with four shelves is filled with belts and trophiesA cabinet with four shelves is filled with belts and trophies

Anya has so many trophies and medals that only a fraction of them fit in her trophy cabinet (BBC)

Because kickboxing is not yet recognized as an Olympic sport, Anya does not receive any support despite being a member of the British team.

This means that all travel and competition fees will be covered by Matt and Anya’s mother Emma.

Matt said: “We will do everything we can to get them where we need to get them, but with the rising cost of living, there may be times when we cannot get them there.”

But her father said that at the moment the price was worth it.

“She has a natural talent. Some people have to train to reach a certain level, but Anya has already reached that level and she can give so much more,” he said.

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