Skylah Hamill crowned Australian flyweight martial arts champion
The coach of a teenage martial arts star says the fighter with “effortless” style is ready to take on the world after winning an Australian title against an adult-aged competitor.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A rising Sunshine Coast martial arts fighter has made her mark within the national ring after taking out the Australian flyweight title in Brisbane on November 26.
Kawana Waters State College student Skylah “Headshot” Hamill, 16, took home the title in her first ever fight against an adult opponent.
Judges scored the five round affair unanimously in favour of Hamill, taking her record to 26 wins from 28 fights.
Sunshine Coast’s top Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai titleholders
Hamill, who began fighting with Sunshine Coast Thai Boxing Centre in 2016, said the win was a massive achievement.
“She was very strong and good in the clinch so I had to find ways around that but it was a very good fight,” she said.
“I am very proud of myself for this win and I can’t wait to do it again.”
Head coach Joe Hilton said Hamill was a star in the making.
“For her to fight her first adult and win convincingly she’s an exceptional girl,” he said.
“She’s the fourth world champion that I’ve trained now and it’s pretty effortless for her.
“She’s very smart, trains very hard and now I just hope to keep her focused through that later period of her teenage years and she’ll be one of the best ever out of Australia I’d say for sure.”
He said she was highly skilled inside the ring.
“She’s very aggressive so she hunts down her opponent all the time and keeps the pressure on,” he said.
“She’s very skilled with everything and has got eight weapons to use in her hands, feet, knees and elbows with great technique and impeccable timing.
“There’s nothing set in stone at the moment but I’m hoping she’ll have another four or five fights before the World Games in Turkey in October 2023.”
Sunshine Coast Falcons reveal NRLW affiliation with Queensland powerhouse
The Sunshine Coast Falcons have landed a major partnership deal with a leading NRLW club that will offer female players a direct pathway to the elite level.
Hall eager to be back in the pool for cherished cause
Australian flag bearer and five time Paralympian Brenden Hall has reflected on his whirlwind Paris games as he uncovers his new found motivation for life in the pool.