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“His most notable achievements have been winning the SO-Kyokushin National Cup events in 2023 and 2024 in the 13 to 14 years Clicker division (light touch point scoring).<\/p>\n
“Another standout performance was at the ShinKyokushin Victorian State Championships this year where he was bumped into a higher age division, male under-18 non-contact, and won.<\/p>\n
“Rhys has also had standout performances in his kata division, placing first at the ShinKyokushin Victorian State Championships this year and second in 2024 at the SO-Kyokushin National Cup.<\/p>\n
“It’s wonderful to see him recognised by the Sportsmen’s Association of Australia Ballarat Branch for his outstanding sporting achievements.<\/p>\n
“Being one of Ballarat’s Junior Sportspeople of the Year is a testament to his ongoing determined work ethic, skill and training commitment.<\/p>\n
“This award is well deserved and a true reflection of his remarkable success and dedication to his training.<\/p>\n
Barker said Lachlan has had a huge karate year, having been graded for his Shodan black belt in October, and competing interstate at a World Cup Kata Competition.<\/p>\n
“Overseeing Lachie’s preparation for both events were incredibly rewarding moments for our instructors,” Barker said.<\/p>\n
“His passion for karate coupled with his training discipline have played a huge part in these successes.<\/p>\n
“He trained incredibly hard for this World Cup experience and the stage doesn’t get any bigger with countries attending from all over the world.<\/p>\n
“Lachie’s ability to remain focused, committed and disciplined with the level of training required are a testament to his performance on the day.<\/p>\n
“Stepping onto the mat isn’t easy but he trusted his preparation was strong enough, and the result was a moment he’ll remember forever.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TWO young members of the Southern Warriors Martial Arts Karate Club have notched up significant achievements in recent days. Fifteen-year-old Rhys McKinley received one of eight Ballarat Junior Sportspersons of the Year awards sponsored by the Sportsmen’s Association of Australia Ballarat Branch on Wednesday 19 November. The award included a $300 Sportspower voucher and a […]<\/p>\n