She shotokan fight

Anything is possible for karate enthusiast Angelique Collett (13), who has learned to fight through her health issues.

She said martial arts movies inspired her to pursue karate. Collett took up shotokan, a form of karate, as an extra-mural activity outside of school, at the Newville Shotokan Karate Academy in 2013.

“I’m a type 1 diabetic who is insulin-dependent, asthmatic, with dextrocardia – which means my heart is on the right side instead of being on the left. I also have coeliac disease which makes me gluten-intolerant. I make sure my blood sugar levels are balanced before a practice or tournament. I also have a strict diet and take my medication when I’m supposed to,” explained Collett.

Despite this, she has won nine gold medals from competing in different tournaments, a best grader award in 2013 and six silver and bronze medals. The karate enthusiast said that she is most proud of how she performed at the Walk a Mile tournament in Pretoria in June. “We competed in kata, kumite and ippon kumite where I received three gold medals,” she boasted.

Last year, Collett was chosen to represent South Africa at the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) in Durban. “I was really surprised and did not expect it at all,” said Collett.

She added that she wants to inspire and motivate young people who are faced with health issues that all things are possible when you do not give up.

Collett will compete at the ISKF from 18 to 21 August in Cape Town.

Angelique’s mother Christine Pretorius said that her daughter has always wanted to do karate from a young age.

“She is everything to me and I believe she is a blessing. In spite of all the challenges she faces she also excels in school and is very bright.

I’ve always supported her. Our main challenge is raising the funds to sponsor her trip and what she needs for her special diet. We would appreciate it if anyone would like to contribute towards her trip to Cape Town,” said Pretorius.

Details: Chistine Pretorius, 072 218 1433.