Below is the roundup from Team Ireland’s participation at the recent WAKO European Kickboxing Championships for Seniors and Masters which was held in Antalya, Turkey 12th-20th November.
“This European Championships was one of the most important championships to date for the kickboxing world as it was a decider/qualifier to qualify for a spot on the forthcoming European Olympic Games which will be held in Poland in early July 2023 as well as the World Combat Games in Riyadh at the end of 2023.
This Championships was indeed filled with the best talented kickboxers in Europe as competitors moved weights up and down to compete in the specific qualifying weight classes.
Out of a squad of 34 athletes, Team Ireland’s performance was not one for the record books unfortunately, but nonetheless, 10 elite athletes secured a qualifying spot in either the EOG or WG.
Ireland’s final medal tally was a hard fought 4 gold, 3 silver and 9 bronze medals. Overall, Team Ireland finished in 12th position out of 39 nations in the medal standings, just behind Germany.
Ireland’s newly crowned European Champions are:
Gary McDonnell
Jodie Browne
Robbie Cuffe
Adam Condon
Runner up (silver medallists) are:
Conor McGlinchey
Hannah Greene
Tony Stephenson
Third place on the podium are:
Keri Browne
Amy Wall
Stephen Jones
Nathan Tait
Cathal O’Dowd
Jodie Browne (two disciplines)
Greg Sheehan
Ireland also secured two third place finishes in the Men’s & Ladies PF Team Event
The fighting Irish that have qualified for a spot at the European Olympic Games are:
Jodie Browne
Amy Wall
Tony Stephenson
Peter Carr
Nathan Tait
Conor McGlinchey
Nicole Bannon
Eoin Glynn
Luke McCann
Team Ireland will also be represented in the World Combat Games by:
Robbie Cuffe.
Pic attached from Kickboxing Ireland: The official KBI 2022 Senior National Kickboxing Team along with coaches and officials.
