Superb start to year for dedicated kickboxer Molly

Kickboxer Molly Cooper, 14, of Kirkby, who has enjoyed a hugely successful year so far.

Molly has won a string of belts and medals at tournaments across the world, and with kickboxing set to make its Olympics debut in 2024, she hopes her hard work, dedicated training and success will pay off with a place in the British team.

The year began with triumph at the British Championships run by the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) and continued at one of the biggest tournaments in the world, the Irish Open International, which attracted a mammoth entry of 4,200, including the best martial artists across the globe. Molly competed in four categories and won three gold medals and a silver, which was some achievement considering she was up against top adult ladies.

Next, she made her debut at the Austrian Classics World Cup where, after two intense days of competition, she completed a hat-trick of victories to be crowned the best female U15 fighter in Europe at under-55kg.

Molly, who is sponsored by Kirkby fabric wholesaler Romo, now moves on to the WAKO White Tiger Challenge Cup in Ireland and then the European Junior Championships in Macedonia.