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Inverness club Karate Alba wins team gold at the British International Championships in Sheffield





Teamwork really did make the dream work for Karate Alba’s youngsters at the British International Championships in Sheffield last weekend as three of their athletes won gold medals in the Team Kata event.

Leo Erdmanis, Alastair Bull and Luca Di Candia were up against a good level of opposition, but triumphed to take the top spot on the podium.

Karate Alba's Leo Erdmanis, Alastair Bull and Luca Di Candia won gold in Team Kata at the British International Championships.
Karate Alba's Leo Erdmanis, Alastair Bull and Luca Di Candia won gold in Team Kata at the British International Championships.

Millburn Academy pupil Erdmanis was the club’s star performer on the day, with the 13-year-old also winning individual silver and pairs silver alongside 12-year-old Glenurquhart High School pupil Bull.

Theo Jenkins (14, Millburn Academy) was another medal winning, claiming bronze in the cadets category.

Crown Primary School’s Finn McDonnell went into the competition on impressive form, with the eight-year-old having won gold on each of his previous five outings at the Scottish, British, Grand Prix (twice) and Karate Alba Championships.

Finn McDonnell (Age 8, Crown Primary School) with his haul of karate medals at local, national and international level after his latest success at the British International Championships.
Finn McDonnell (Age 8, Crown Primary School) with his haul of karate medals at local, national and international level after his latest success at the British International Championships.

His medal streak continued at the International Championships, earning a bronze medal this time.

Vilis Forstmanis was another athlete going down to Sheffield on a winning streak, being able to call himself Scottish, British, British International and twice Karate Grand Prix Para Champion.

He has also won accolades like UK Para Athlete of the Year and the Child of Courage at Highland Heroes 2024, and the 14-year-old para wheelchair competitor added another title to his record, earning gold.

Rounding off the club’s medal winners were girls’ pair Enija Forstmane and Eliza Higgins, who won bronze.

Karate Alba girls Enija Forstmane and Eliza Higgins won bronze in the Girls' Pairs event at the 2024 British International Championships.
Karate Alba girls Enija Forstmane and Eliza Higgins won bronze in the Girls' Pairs event at the 2024 British International Championships.

Also in action but not quite doing enough to earn a medal against a high calibre of opponent were Arianna Fraser (10, Crown Primary), Ailish Bethune (9, BSGI) and Amy Maclennan (9, Fortrose).


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