Mayo native claims gold at I-Karate World Cup

By Stuart Tynan

CAITLÍN Malone, from White Tiger Martial Arts, struck gold at the virtual Inclusive Karate Global World Cup last month.

The Westport native has already earned a host of national and international medals, including three gold medals at the 2012 All-Star Specially Challenged event (in Karate Kata, Weapon Kata and Board Breaking) and two silver and a bronze at the I-Karate World Cup two years ago in Dublin, the last physical holding of the event.

She went one better this time around as she earned first place and the gold in Weapon Kata, as well as taking joint 4th in Karate Kata.

“She did fantastic,” said White Tiger Martial Arts instructor Martin O’Malley. “We were scheduled to go to Russia (for the physical event) last year but that didn't go ahead due to the pandemic.”

“We trialled on online cup that went very well so an online world championships could take place.

“One of the problems with Covid is it's hard to get proper feedback, but by the reaction on social media (Caitlin's achievements reached over half a million people on The Connaught Telegraph's Facebook page), everyone is delighted and we are very, very proud of her.”

Martin concluded: “She works so, so hard to do what she does."