Fighting for her future

Farrarmere resident Kayleen Kaylee Chetty (13), who trains under sensei Takis Chaniotakos at the Boksburg Dojo, has been doing karate since she was eight years old and has worked very hard towards all her achievements.

After competing at the Gauteng trials, Chetty ranked first in Gauteng and fourth in South Africa, her age group being u-42kg for this year.

Next year she will compete in the u-47kg age group.

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Chetty has loved karate from the moment she started competing.

“When I started karate, it was mainly so that I could learn to defend myself, but then it grew on me.

“My mom had me doing ballet, swimming and karate and I had to pick one, so I chose karate because it gives me such a thrill.

“When I fight I never get scared – the nerves are always there but karate is in my bones; it’s a part of me,” said Chetty.

She has been very busy over the last year – she won best sportsperson of the year in 2018, walked away with a trophy for nationals and won first place medals in local tournaments and also some bronze medals while competing at Karate South Africa (KSA).

She also competed in the 2018 Common Wealth tournament and the Arnold Classic 2019, both tournaments she placed third in her age group.

When asked what her most memorable moment was, Kayleen said: “When I was ranked first in Gauteng they had a podium which they called us up to and standing on the top block in first place was just the best feeling.”

Chetty is excited for the coming year.

“I can’t wait to compete at KSA again. Even though I don’t come first all the time, karate makes me happy.”