Pietie ‘Thunder’ Coxen from Elsburg celebrated the return of three of his students from the 2022 IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

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Previously the GCN reported that his students, Kiara Willemse, Vaughn Pretorious and Louis van Collor, were going to compete at the prestigious competition in August.

At the competition Kiara won a bronze medal in the Youth C category for under 48kg’s.

She said it was hard work and determination contributed to her success.

Pietie said he was proud of all his students regardless of the outcomes at the championships.

“I told them at the airport that being part of the competition already makes them winners. They must go and enjoy themselves. Winning anything from the competition was a bonus,” said Pietie.

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“As a coach I am proud that three of the twenty plus children who went to compete in Abu Dhabi were from my gym,” he said.

“For the first time in the history of this competition South Africa has brought home a gold medal, silver and a bronze medal.

“I watched the videos of their matches and they did well,” said Pietie.

While congratulations are in order Pietie is training and preparing for his upcoming match with Tom ‘The Greek Warrior’ Theocharis on September 8.