A YOUNG kickboxer from Hanham has won a world title.
Teia Doyle returned from the WAKO Youth World Championships in Jesolo, Italy, with one championship win and two silver medals.
Teia beat a Spanish opponent in the juniors kick light final to become world champion and was placed second in both light contact and points fighting.
Teia captained an 11-strong squad of fighters from EPiC Martial Arts and Fitness at the event, which brought together contestants from 76 nations. They prepared through a dedicated 12-week training camp.
Two other EPiC fighters took world titles and the squad won a total of 13 medals.
EPiC runs clubs across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Its founder Andy Cleeves said: “My heart is full. Every one of our athletes gave absolutely everything, through the highs and the lows. Three world champions and 13 individual medals from one club is an incredible achievement, but I’m just as proud of how they conducted themselves on and off the mats.
“They’ve trained for years, then spent 12 weeks preparing specifically for this competition. They handled pressure, setbacks and some of the best young fighters in the world with real determination and sportsmanship.
“Watching young people from different nations compete so fiercely and then show each other such respect is a reminder of everything this sport can give them.”