Grit, ability help teen to the top in martial arts

The Wurtulla 13-year-old was adjudged female fighter of the recent Muay Thai Auatralian Championships after winning the national title for her age group, with an impressive display on the Gold Coast.

TOP FIGHTER: Skylah Hamill. Picture: Patrick Woods.

MARTIAL ARTS: Determination, focus and ability are attributes which make Skylah Hamill stand out, according to Sunshine Coast Thai Boxing Centre trainer Joe Hilton

The Wurtulla 13-year-old was adjudged best female fighter of the Muay Thai Australian Championships after winning the national title in her age group on the Gold Coast.

The Sunshine Coast Sports Federation’s Junior Sports Star of January claimed her fourth Aussie title with the triumph, to add to two world titles, and it bolstered her record to 18-1.

“I’ve trained many fighters and champions and she is probably the standout that I’ve ever had in 25 years. She’s a very talented young lady,” Hamill said.

“I think it’s her determination and focus and her ability in the ring.

“Her skill level is very high. She trains eight times a week.

“She loves the sport, loves to train, she learns all the time and is improving quickly.”

Hamill is set for another shot at the world championships later this year.

Her only loss was at last year’s edition, when she competed at the lower end of the weight division against a girl who had 74 fights.

Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Council Development Award recipient of the month for January is swimmer Chloe Gubecka.

The Kawana Waters athlete won the 5km and 10km titles at the national open water championships.

Originally published as