Kickboxer wins continental title

After suffering a devastating personal tragedy when her father was involved in an accident that left him disabled and in frail care, Van Dyk Park kickboxer Amy Lange has channelled her grief into the kickboxing ring.

Despite this adversity, Amy showed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome the sudden change in her life to continue to excel in both netball and kickboxing.

It is in the tatami where the youngster has shown total dominance. She won the U60kg girls’ junior points title during the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) African championships at John Barrable Hall in December.

Although it was a tough competition, the kickboxer was delighted about her victory, especially because it propelled her to seventh in the world in her category.

“It was exciting to meet people from all over Africa and to see how they fight. There were different styles, and I learnt a lot,” she said.

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“I cannot describe the feeling when I won that title. I competed, not knowing what to expect, as I had never fought this weight before. But I kept calm, listened to my coaches and focused.

“When I saw the score, I was over the moon. I worked hard for this competition, and all my hard work paid off,” she added.

Amy took up kickboxing in 2019, following in the footsteps of her brother. She said the sport is now a crucial part of her life.

“I have learnt so much like how to kick and punch properly. I felt empowered. I wish all children could feel this power, especially those that get bullied,” Amy said.

The African champs were the youngster’s first taste of international kickboxing after making a name for herself locally, competing in tournaments like the Great North Championships and Clash of the Tiny Titans.

Amy remains steadfast and focused as she looks forward to competing overseas to improve her rankings.

“I would love to be an ambassador for my country. The rest of the world must know that South Africa is a country to be taken seriously in different sporting codes.”

Her mother, Julie, pleads for sponsorship from the community to help the kickboxer achieve her goals.

“She has overcome the sudden change in our lives to flourish and mature in SA points fighting and netball as a provincial player. I am proud of my children’s accomplishments after everything they have been through.

“I hope people will assist with sponsorship to help Amy reach her goals,” Julie said.

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