‘A dream come true’: Mirfield schoolboy and martial arts ace Jake is second best in world
An 11-year-old martial arts ace from Mirfield has returned home from the WKC World Championships in Spain with a silver medal.
Jake Fretwell represented England at the major international event, held in Cadiz at the end of last month, and came second in the -35kg 10-11 year-olds Continuous Boxing category.
He made it to the final by coming out on top in a clash with an opponent from the USA before beating a fellow Team England competitor.
In the final Jake faced another martial artist from the England camp who was two school years older than him, who proved to be too strong.
The youngster, a First Dan black belt who attends Crossley Fields Junior and Infant School, had earlier competed in the Points Fighting competition at the prestigious event but lost both fights. However, these proved to be a learning experience for him.
Jake told the Reporter Series: “I found the Points Fight very nerve-wracking because it was my first one at international level and all the opponents seemed a lot taller!
“But I was able to relax a bit more after getting that first fight out of the way.”
He added: “To be second in the world is like a dream come true. I was upset to lose in the final at first but I was so happy to walk out to receive my silver medal.”
His mum, Amy Richardson, said: “I couldn’t be prouder. Watching him experience the highs and lows of international competition - picking himself up after disappointment and going on to achieve a world medal - has been incredibly special.
“It wasn’t just about the medal, though. The experience of representing his country, meeting competitors from around the world and being part of Team England is something he will remember forever.
“I would also like to thank his instructors, Jay Spain, Luke Burks and Cole Rochester, who supported Jakey and the other competitors throughout the championships.
“Their encouragement, guidance and care made such a difference.”