Inverness teenager Aidan Lennan denied hat-trick of European Championship gold medals by controversial disqualification
Aidan Lennan overcame a frustrating disqualification to win two gold medals at the WAKO European Championships in Italy over the weekend.
The teenager is in his final year competing in the junior section, and was looking to cement his spot as the top ranked fighter in the world at his age and weight by winning all three of the disciplines he was competing in: points, light contact and kick light.
His weekend began with wins over Hungarian and Slovenian athletes in the light contact competition, before a controversial bout in the kick light against another Slovenian fighter.
Lennan had looked to be easing to victory, moving 14 points clear meaning that one more would have seen him seal victory.
However, in the process he also took three warnings, which he felt were instigated by his opponent’s coaches, before engaging in a clinch with his rival.
Upon being told to break by the referee, Lennan believed he had stepped back, ready to carry on the fight, only for his opponent’s coaches to claim otherwise and successfully get the Inverness teen disqualified.
Lennan’s coaches tried to contest the decision, but did not submit a formal appeal in the designated 15 minutes after the bout, so the controversial referee’s call stood.
Although devastated by that outcome, Lennan returned to action in his other disciplines determined to make amends.
He would go on to defeat Team GB teammate Nikita Simcenco in the light contact final to become European champion, and another Brit George Bell in the points final to earn his second gold medal.
Mum Diane said: “We were absolutely delighted Aidan came back from the devastation earlier in the week to dominate every fight he had after that, showing why he’s one of the best.
“Aidan has had the most fantastic run over the last few years. We are so proud of all he has achieved – not many from the Highlands, or even Scotland, can claim to have done what he has in this sport.
“We are really looking forward to see where he goes in the future, hopefully reaching the Olympic stage in the not too distant future.”
With Lennan’s junior kickboxing career coming to a close, he is now looking to his next challenge, which will come in a ring rather than on the mat.
He has already been announced for a Muay Thai bout against Euan Rennie in Aberdeen next month, and longer term intends to compete in K1 kickboxing with aims of stepping back on to the international scene next year.