FUJAIRAH, UAE—Marianna Guerrero captured the bronze medal at Youth League competition in Fujairah, UAE.

The 14-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., led a contingent of 17 Canadians with podium finish in the women’s Cadet Kumite +61kg division but left the competition searching for more.

“It was very bitter-sweet for me. Coming into the event I felt super confident with my techniques and tactics, knowing I had what it takes to win,” said Guerrero.

The two-time Pan American champion lived up to her billing as the number-one ranked athlete in the world in her category, handily defeating her first two opponents by seven and 10 points. It was an unfortunate mistake against Egypt that cost the respected Canadian a ticket to the gold medal match.

“It was a poor mistake, but nonetheless, I still had to push through and fight for a medal,” added Guerrero. “I’m happy with my performance, but there are obviously some changes that need to be made. I’m grateful for making it there and being able to compete as best as I can, with the support of my parents and friends back in Canada.”

After taking down the scrappy Canuck, Egypt’s Elather Elsayed finished on top of the podium in the women’s Kumite 61+ kg division. Belgium’s Maissa Sridi was second.

Guerrero also won bronze in UAE one year that opened the doors to a medal-winning streak. She earned a gold medal at the Pan American Championships and at a Youth League event in Mexico which catapulted her to the top of the international rankings.

Matthew Gruitia was the only other Canadian to finish in the top-five. The Ontario-based athlete, who is ranked third in the world, was fifth in the junior Kata male division that was won by Muhammad Akio Zaiko of Indonesia.

Guerrero, Gruitia and the young Canucks will continue their preparations for the National Championships in July followed by a Pan American Championship event in Brazil before the Junior World Championships in Venice, Italy.

For complete results at the Youth League in Fujairah, please visit: https://www.sportdata.org/wkf/set-online/popup_main.php?popup_action=results&vernr=839&active_menu=calendar#

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