Silver medals for Ashleigh

While South Africa’s Olympians are representing the country in Brazil, Ashleigh Rosant, 13, clinched two silver medals at the 18th Kimura Shukokai International Karate World Tournament in Berlin.

Ashleigh, the 2014 world kumite champion in her age group, competed against karatekas from 30 other countries in a two-day competition that ended last month.

It was the second time that Ashleigh, a Grade 8 pupil at Rhenish Girls’ High School, had earned her national colours.

Two years ago Ashleigh won gold and silver medals at the world tournament in Sun City.

This year she got a silver medal, losing out to her Finnish competitor in a tie-break.

To be at her peak, Ashleigh put in six days of intense training a week with her sensei, Nadia Benefeldt, leading up to the world tournament. She was also trained by SA national coach Chris Ensil.

“This year was very tough,” Ashleigh said.

“Nothing compares to hearing SA’s anthem play when you receive a medal.”.

Her mother, Gillian Rosant, accompanied her to Germany.

“Because she was in a category for older children, the competition was much tougher. As a mother it is sometimes difficult to watch your child get hurt during competitions,” Rosant said.

Ashleigh competed against 14- and 15-year-olds.

Rosant said Ashleigh started karate when she was five, and has always been disciplined and
committed.

“The fact that her sensei is a woman also influenced Ashleigh to believe she can do well in a sport like karate.

“She plays soccer as well and when people ask her why, she replies why not?” Rosant said.

Benefeldt said the young teen is passionate about her sport.

“She will have to qualify for her second black belt in October and there is no doubt she will get it,” Benefeldt said.

nicolette.dirk@inl.co.za