Mason excels at nationals

Mason Carnevale has only been kickboxing for six months but has already achieved a stack of medals under his belt.

Mason Carnevale, 13, has already achieved excellent results in just six months of kickboxing. Pictures: Peter Kelly

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Mason Carnevale has only been kickboxing for six months but has already achieved a stack of medals under his belt.

With a background in taekwondo and muay thai, the 13-year-old from Castle Hill quickly excelled at kickboxing, competing five times in national all-styles martial arts tournaments and picking up three gold medals, a bronze and a silver.

Mason with his most recent trophies.

Mason said his proudest achievement so far was winning a gold at the National Championships, which were held in Melbourne on November 26-27.

“I can’t be more grateful and especially getting to be the Australian champion, it feels amazing,” he said.

“I never have been more happier in my life.”

The Oakhill College student trains at Evolution Gym in Castle Hill and said he enjoyed proving himself through competitions.

“What I enjoy most about kickboxing is the competitions, so that I have a chance to show people how good I am,” he said.

Although he enjoys competing, Mason said “going into competitions is very nerve-racking”.

“I often think in my head, ‘What if I get knocked out first round?

“What if I get badly injured?’

“But after winning a fight or medal it means the world to me.”

Mason said he hoped to continue improving his skills in the future and “achieve more next year”.

“I hope to become a back-to-back Australian champion,” he said.