Teen New Forest karateka Autumn Fry earns England spot for European Karate Championships in Cyprus
Teenage martial artist Autumn Fry has earned a call-up to England for the upcoming cadet, junior and U21s European Karate Championships in Cyprus.
Thw 15-year-old Priestlands School student has been in top form since clinching Commonwealth karate gold in Birmingham, with selectors awarding her second England cap.
The Milford-based karateka has been travelling Europe, winning silver at the Belgium Open before taking double bronze at the Wadokai European Championships in North Macedonia, despite facing older opponents in the U18 category.
Autumn, who fractured her back in three places following a freak accident in June, is also competing in the K1 Karate Youth League held around the world and gaining world ranking points.
She is also a British silver medallist and recently took the title of Central England International Champion 2022.
Autumn said: “It’s been a whirlwind of a year, from fracturing my back in June to winning Commonwealth gold, and now the chance to represent my country at the Europeans in early 2023 is an absolute honour.
“I am thrilled to have been selected, and I hope to make my country proud.”
Autumn continues to train daily under the instruction of Sensei Jamie Jewell and TKW Karate, based in Totton.
She added: “Karate is my life, and I cannot thank Sensei Jamie Jewell and the team at TKW Karate enough for the continuous passion, dedication and commitment that goes into my training. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without Jamie’s incredible support and expertise.
“I’m also so grateful to my parents, who have to fund all my travel and expenses as I receive no sponsorship, and they have to work more hours than there are in a day to give me such amazing opportunities.
“I would also like to mention my teachers at Priestlands School, who help me to balance my studies with travelling and competing. I’m so grateful to you all.”
Autumn and her family fund most of her travel and accommodation while competing, and are looking for funding and sponsorship. Those interested should phone 07795 310509 or email andreakate369@gmail.com
