Reddam House student and George Barounis karate protege Yonatan Freund is fighting fit
HE’S going into the Australian Karate Federation National Championships as a favourite to win — it’s fair to say Yonatan Freund punches above his weight.
Wentworth Courier
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HE’S going into the Australian Karate Federation National Championships as a favourite to win — it’s fair to say Yonatan Freund punches above his weight.
The Dover Heights 16-year-old will enter the competition next month fresh from taking out gold at the NSW State Championships, NSW Open Championships and the Australian Open in the Junior under 76kg category. The teenager who is juggling his sporting commitments with his year 11 studies at Reddam House, also came away with a silver in this year’s Oceania Championships.
Last year he made it to the Karate World Championships in Madrid, Spain where he came a respectable 20th after winning his first round match and then going down in the second round to the competitor who came 4th overall.
Yonatan, who trains for several hours every day and achieved his black belt two years ago, has been dedicated to karate for the past decade.
“In the short term I want to win nationals which is in about a month, go to the next World Championships again and then, eventually, the Olympics. That’s the dream,” Yonatan said.
“I guess I’m biased but I think the coach I have, George Barounis, is the best in Australia. “He’s given me the opportunity to train with some really high level athletes.”
Despite the extreme physicality of the sport, Yonatan, who was born in Israel but moved to Sydney at the age of two, has so far avoided any serious injury.
“Look, it does happen and I’ve had a few injuries but nothing major,” he said.
“Even though it’s disciplined you are fighting someone and you are still going to hit them hard.”
Yonatan’s extraordinary achievements have lead to him being nominated for a Local Sports Stars Award.
NewsLocal is celebrating outstanding young athletes and sporting teams, as well as the parents, coaches and supporters who make it all possible. If this sounds like you or someone you know, enter our Local Sports Stars Awards for 2018.