CANCUN, Mex.—A determined group of Canada’s next generation karatekas arrived on the international scene over the weekend while combining to make six trips to the Youth League podium in Cancun, Mexico.

Sophie Lawrence and Emily Reglar won a pair of bronze medals in the women’s U21 kumite competitions. Helitha Rathnayake grabbed a bronze of his own in the junior male kumite bracket. Two cadet level kumite athletes – Aya Rahmani and Mariana Guerrero – also celebrated medals performances. Rahmani snagged a silver while Guerrero was third. Muthuli Rathnayake rounded out the Canadian medal haul with a bronze in the women’s U14 event.

The following are the athletes’ thoughts on their performances at Youth League.

Sophie Lawrence (U21 Women’s – 61kg) – Bronze Medal
“Winning my first international medal has been incredible. I went into the competition with doubts so it was amazing to have the reinforcement that I can achieve my goals. The competition helped me learn so much about who I am as a fighter and I’m so excited to grow from this experience.”

Emily Reglar (U21 Women’s – 55kg) – Bronze Medal
“Winning the bronze medal at the K1 Youth League, my first international medal, is a dream come true. It’s a result of hours of hard work and the support from my coaches, teammates and family. This medal is for everyone in Newfoundland & Labrador, showing that with my heart, determination and grit, you can make your mark anywhere in the world.”

Helitha Rathnayake (Junior Male -55kg) – Bronze Medal
“I am quite satisfied with my bronze medal as I felt my performance was amazing, took every opportunity given to me, converting them into points and keeping my composure throughout the event. This Youth League also provided me an opportunity to reflect on how far I’ve come and the steps I need to take my karate career to the next level. All-in-all, this Youth League is an amazing milestone in my karate career, and will be the first of many medals to come.”

Mariana Guerrero (Women’s Cadet +61kg) – Bronze Medal
“Even if I didn’t reach the top step, the journey and the achievement to the bronze medal is worth celebrating.”

Aya Rahmani (Women’s Cadet -61kg) – Silver Medal
“Following a defeat at Nationals, I made the decision to go to Cancun so not to end the year on a defeat. Despite the disappointment of losing in the final, I’m proud to have made it to the end. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches.”

Muthuli Rathnayake (Women’s U14 -47kg) – Bronze Medal
“For my first Youth league, I am quite happy with my bronze medal. This competition allowed me to gain more experience and confidence in my techniques. Going into this Youth League, I trusted my hands more but coming out of this competition I’ve learned to trust my kicks and myself.”

Eight other Canadians also grabbed top five finishes including:

Anushka Jawkar (Junior Female -53kg); Amanda Lee (Junior Female -59kg); Anika Hollybow: (Junior Female 66+kg); Sereya Gill (U14 Female -42kg); Chase Hobson (U14 Male -40kg); Evan Singh (U14 Male -50kg); Masa Kudsi (U21 Female Kata); and Isaac De Landa (U21 Male Kumite +84kg).

For more information on Karate Canada, please visit us at www.karatecanada.org.