Colo High School Year 8 student James Hill has his sights firmly place on the Australian Karate Open after winning gold at the Victorian State Karate Championships in Melbourne at the weekend.
Hill, who trains with Hawkesbury Martial Arts, took out the top gong in the 14 to 15 year Kumite (sparring/fighting) division.
He said the win has positioned him well for the Australian Open in April.
“I went to Melbourne to prove myself against the best competitors there are in my lead up to the Australian Open,” Hill said.
“On the day of the tournament, I had to wake up at 2:30am to fly to Melbourne and didn't get back home until 12:30am. But it was worth it.
“I was feeling nervous but excited and ready. I was confident and believed I could win because I wanted it and have done lots of hard training to earn it.
“I won my first fight 8-0 and then I won my final 3-2.”
Hill has been nominated to represent Australia in the Junior World Championships held in Spain this year and he is determined to get his spot on the team.
“Each country can only send four representatives from each division, so I have to prove that I am worthy by winning NSW State Championships and the Australian open.”