Euro bronze for Wiseley
Celtic Dragons kickboxer Jack Wiseley with his mother Christine at the European Championhisp in Bordeaux
Celtic Dragons Kickboxing, Mountmellick are delighted to announce its pride in junior fighter Jack Wiseley (13) from Mountmellick who travelled to Bordeaux, France for the European Cup Championships last week.
Following the club’s recent successes of attending and hosting various kickboxing tournaments in Laois under the sanctioning of the International Kickboxing Federation, Celtic Dragons were invited by French IKF President Mr Thierri Muccini to put forward a fighter for the European Cup Championships which were being held in Salle Jean Dauguet in Bordeaux. After a club committee meeting, young fighter Jack Wiseley was selected and offered the opportunity to represent the club at the championships and was more than happy to accept the challenge.
Preparations for the competitions began immediately which meant that Jack had to train five times a week with the club for Technique and Sparring sessions along with his own cardio and fitness training at home. Jack showed his enthusiasm and commitment to his training by working hard and never missing a session over the six weeks and also attending a sparring session with current Irish Champion Niall Carroll.
The club and Jack’s family, Christine, Niall and Sarah supported in every way possible and continued to train with him over the Christmas holidays including a sparring session on New Year’s Eve! Although most people were relaxing and enjoying their Christmas presents, Jack diligently continued to train, keeping his focus and his eye on the prize – no matter how tired he was, certainly the mark of a true champion.
The club in the meantime were busy fundraising in order to help with the expense of the trip and with the help of Gerry Mulvaney of The Druid Inn; Mountmellick raised the money to pay for the hotel and flights.
The competition day started with Jack facing a very skilful French fighter in a long three rounder and Jack held his own showing his skills and sportsmanship to take the win with ease. Once he reached the semi-final it was much more challenging with Jack facing off against another French fighter. This young fighter proved to be a match for Jack with the two fighters battling it out in each round and Jack having to overcome the different fighting style of the French warrior – in the end was down to the judge’s decision with the French Fighter taking the win by one point. The French fighter subsequently took first place.
Afterwards the IKF French President Mr Thierri Muccini spoke to Celtic Dragons Coach Tommy Delaney and suggested that Jack return to France to compete again soon against the French National Champion and so it is onwards and upwards for the local champ. Jack has a busy fighting year ahead and Celtic Dragons Coach and Committee wishes him all the best.
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