Italy next up for talented Natasha

Photo: Darren Robinson

ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE BECKONS: Natasha Watkins won two silver medals at the World karate championships in Dublin. She is pictured with her dedicated instructor Marc Leacock

TEEN martial artist Natasha Watkins can look forward to representing England again later this year after taking two silver medals at the World Karate Championships in Dublin last month.

Natasha took two silver medals from the Championships, one in the individual Shobu Ippon event and another from the team rotation Shobu Ippon category.

The 14-year-old's success in Ireland means she has automatically qualified for the European Championships in Italy in October, where she will move up to the 15-17 age group division with the AMA (Amateur Martial Association) England squad.

Natasha competes in Shotokan Karate and trains three times a week at the Rendoki club in Heywood with her coach Marc Leacock.

SELECTED

She was first selected by AMA director Peter Allen in January to compete in the World Championships when the Royton and Crompton High School student returned with the impressive array of medals.

Natasha, from Moorside, has the support of her proud mum and dad.

Mum Vanessa said of her daughter's achievements: "It's amazing, there's no words to describe how proud me and her dad are. We are with her all the way."

Natasha is so dedicated to Shotokan, she even teaches younger aspiring martial artists at the Burnside club in Langley. The four-11 year-olds she instructs will no doubt look up to her.

However, mum Vanessa is hoping to raise money to support Natasha's trip to Italy in October, as she receives no financial backing from the AMA.

"We are trying to raise the money for her to go to Italy. We are trying to get someone to help, but we don't know how to go about it."

If you feel you may be able to help, email Vanessa at: nessw1@hotmail.co.uk