Kickboxing GB at the 2023 World Combat Games
The Great Britain Kickboxing Team made a significant impact at the prestigious 2023 World Combat Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), showcased 16 combat sports, providing a rich tapestry of martial arts culture on a global stage.
Team GB, led by President Peter Edwards and Vice President Neville Wray, saw Chris Aston, Jack Buckley, and Grace Chandler competing in their respective Point Fighting categories. The support team comprised of esteemed GB Coaches Sean Veira and Billy Bryce, along with seasoned international referee Shaun Whelan.
The cultural richness of Riyadh offered a unique backdrop for the athletes, who are well-travelled but found this experience particularly enriching. Coach Veira lauded the high calibre of athletes and the exceptional standards of the event, which echoed the Olympic spirit through its professionalism and hospitality.
Coach Bryce, reflecting on the event's significance, expressed that even though Kickboxing is not part of the Olympic Games, the World Combat Games fostered a sense of Olympic camaraderie and inclusion.
In terms of competition, the GB qualifiers had previously proven their mettle at the WAKO European Games. Grace Chandler, facing the reigning European Champion Carol Scacchi, showed tenacity despite a 13-7 defeat. Jack Buckley, against Erik Zimmermann, displayed exemplary skill, advancing through the rounds and reaching the final, only to be hindered by an injury.
Chris Aston, however, emerged victorious in the -94kg division, overcoming Italy's Davide Mancuso with a decisive 18-11 win. This triumph, coming after a narrow and contentious defeat earlier in the year, was a sweet redemption for Aston and a testament to his world-class abilities.
The GB Team's achievements at the World Combat Games have set the stage for future successes, with promises of more stories to unfold from these world-renowned athletes.
Team GB, led by President Peter Edwards and Vice President Neville Wray, saw Chris Aston, Jack Buckley, and Grace Chandler competing in their respective Point Fighting categories. The support team comprised of esteemed GB Coaches Sean Veira and Billy Bryce, along with seasoned international referee Shaun Whelan.
The cultural richness of Riyadh offered a unique backdrop for the athletes, who are well-travelled but found this experience particularly enriching. Coach Veira lauded the high calibre of athletes and the exceptional standards of the event, which echoed the Olympic spirit through its professionalism and hospitality.
Coach Bryce, reflecting on the event's significance, expressed that even though Kickboxing is not part of the Olympic Games, the World Combat Games fostered a sense of Olympic camaraderie and inclusion.
In terms of competition, the GB qualifiers had previously proven their mettle at the WAKO European Games. Grace Chandler, facing the reigning European Champion Carol Scacchi, showed tenacity despite a 13-7 defeat. Jack Buckley, against Erik Zimmermann, displayed exemplary skill, advancing through the rounds and reaching the final, only to be hindered by an injury.
Chris Aston, however, emerged victorious in the -94kg division, overcoming Italy's Davide Mancuso with a decisive 18-11 win. This triumph, coming after a narrow and contentious defeat earlier in the year, was a sweet redemption for Aston and a testament to his world-class abilities.
The GB Team's achievements at the World Combat Games have set the stage for future successes, with promises of more stories to unfold from these world-renowned athletes.
2023 World Combat Games - Chris Aston vs Davide Mancuso
2023 World Combat Games - Jack Buckley vs Bence Zajacz