Dumbarton has a new world champion, with 9-year-old Maia Bisley winning a WKO kickboxing title in Barnsley last weekend.
The Alexandria Kickboxing Academy student took home the point fighting award for her age group, whilst also recording a second place finish in the light continuous section of the event.
Proud owner and head instructor of Alexandria Kickboxing Academy, Stewart Smillie, explained the difference between the categories.
He said: “Point fighting is similar to taekwondo style fighting where you’re scoring points and you get more points for the fancier technique you score. She managed to achieve first place in that.
“Light continuous kickboxing is more similar to boxing rules but you’re also allowed to kick above the waistline and she was the runner-up in that category as well.”
Maia is no stranger to success, she already holds three Scottish titles with three separate organisations, however Stewart revealed that the Dumbarton youngster is still a relative newcomer to the sport.
He continued: “She’s only been training at Alexandria Kickboxing Academy for two-and-a-half years, she’s a green belt which means that she’s probably about halfway to achieving her black belt – which is amazing considering she’s just won a world title.”
With the Alexandria club currently having a 60/40 split between boys and girls, Stewart is optimistic that Maia’s success can have an impact on the sport’s image, adding: “Maia’s title just goes to show that it’s not just a boys’ sport. Girls can do really well in it as well.”
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