Local Sports Star: Liverpool’s Holly Saunders wins Junior Sports Star award
Dual gold medallist Holly Saunders can add another accolade to her name after winning the Junior Sports Star award at last night’s celebration of the state’s top young athletes.
Liverpool
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Dual gold medallist Holly Saunders can add another accolade to her name after winning the Junior Sports Star award at last night’s celebration of the state’s top young athletes.
The 15-year-old kickboxer was recognised for her outstanding sporting achievements at the 2018 Local Sports Star gala awards dinner at Bankstown Sports Club.
Holly took out two gold medals at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation’s World Kickboxing Junior Championships in Italy in September after competing against junior representatives from more than 70 countries.
It was the second time Holly represented her country; in 2016, she travelled to Ireland for her first international competition.
The teen, who trains six days a week, said she was proud of her achievements.
“I am very happy to win this award because it means a lot to me,” she said.
“It adds to my joy at being in the first in the world, having won two golds at the world championships.”
Coach Normie Daghel said the Junior Sports Star title will bring more opportunities for the kickboxer.
“This award will open the doors for Holly and hopefully get her more sponsorship opportunities,” he said.
“We are very proud of her and over the moon at her achievements.”
West Hoxton’s Jack Orchard was also honoured for this sportsmanship and dedication, winning the Young Sporting Spirit award for the Liverpool Leader.
Jack, 9, is the back-to-back national champion in taekwondo after winning gold in his division at the 2018 Australian Taekwondo National Championships in Bendigo in September.
Mum Rachel Orchard said she was proud of his efforts and grateful for his coaches’ support.
“He really valued it. It was a really good surprise,” she said.
Jack will spend the upcoming off-season training for his next major competition, the state championships, in April.