Two Linlithgow kickboxers are on top of the world after securing a combined five golds at the WKA World Kickboxing Championships in Wales.
Andrew McFarlane and Joseph Burgess – both members of Derek Gilmour Blackbelt Academy based in the town – were in imperious form at the recent global event.
Andrew was able to bag a phenomenal three gold medals, while his 15-year-old teammate was impressive in picking up two golds and a bronze.
Talking to the Courier, coach Derek Gilmour admitted that he was “proud as punch” of the pair’s achievements on the toughest of stages.
He said: “It really felt like one of those moments in life where everything just comes together perfectly.
“You don’t get many moments like that but this was definitely one of them. I was lost for words and really just proud as punch of the two of them. They both went down there positive but with no real major expectations and they excelled.
“They were both in absolutely phenomenal form across the competition and deserved their medals.”
Joseph, who has been training with the club for seven years, scooped gold in the light contact 15-17 Male 65-70kg category as well as low kick light contact.
He also won silver in boxing light aged 15-17 70-75kg category.
Andrew, who gained his 1st Degree black belt last year, was unstoppable as he fought his way to triple world title
success.
He grabbed gold in the points fighting 35-44 years male 70-80kg category as well as the light contact 25-44 years male 70-80kg and boxing light 35-44 years male 70-80kg.
Derek added: “It was a brilliant achievement from both of them for different reasons, really. Joseph’s just a young lad who is incredibly talented and he coped tremendously well with the pressure of a big competition.
“He showed what he can do at that sort of level and he’s at an age where you hope that there’s plenty more to come.
“Andrew’s got a good few years on Joseph and he absolutely made the most of his opportunity. To achieve three world championships at his age is real testament to all of his work and talent.”
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