Gowanbrae karate star Niki Dimou a hit at national titles

She’s aged just 10 and already a dual national champion. But young karate star Niki Dimou is determined to hit far greater heights, with the Olympics in her sights.

Niki Dimou has been nominated in the Junior category for the Leader Local Sports Stars awards.

Nominee: Niki Dimou, 10

Sport: Karate

Suburb: Gowanbrae

Club name: Kassis Karate Academy

Coach/manager: Con and Rosanna Kassis

How old were you when you took up your sport?

I was four when I started karate.

How did you get involved in this sport?

When I was four my mum signed me up as a Tiny Tiger at Kassis Karate Academy.

What has been your biggest success?

My biggest sporting success was winning the gold at the Australian Karate Championships in 2018 and 2019.

I was very proud and was so happy to represent Victoria at the nationals.

What do you love most about your sport?

I love karate because I enjoy learning new techniques and katas from my sensei.

I feel strong and it gives me confidence to always do my best when performing.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

I would love to represent Australia at the junior world championships when I am a cadet. My dream would be to compete at the senior world championships and to represent Australia at the Olympics.

Niki Dimou.

Who are your sporting heroes?

My sporting heroes are my coaches, sensei Con and sensei Rosanna.

They have been there for me from the beginning and have taught me karate and to believe in myself and enjoy my karate journey throughout my life.

‘I couldn’t have done this without …’

I couldn’t have done this without my family, especially my mum.

She has always encouraged and supported me and gives me hugs when I need them.

I also couldn’t have done it without my dad and my brother.

Thanks to our partner Gold 104.3.