Fighters from Arnold-based BKS secured 16 world titles while representing Team England at the ICO World Championships in France.
An Arnold kickboxing club is celebrating after its fighters returned from the world stage with an astonishing 27 medals, including 16 golds.
Members of Team BKS represented Team England at the ICO World Championships in France, held from October 14-18.
Between them, the Arnold competitors secured 16 world titles, three silver medals and eight bronze medals across a number of kickboxing disciplines.
The club’s fighters competed against martial artists from around the world during the five-day championships.
Who won what?
There were medals throughout the BKS squad, with Sophie Smith collecting an impressive five world titles.
The club’s medal winners were:
- Sophie Smith: Five golds
- Nick Sharpe: Three golds
- Jake Kerr: Three golds and one bronze
- Henry Myers: One gold and four bronze
- Malachi Tobin: One gold, one silver and two bronze
- Kacie Danvers: Three golds, one silver and one bronze
- Zack Cutts: One silver
That adds up to a remarkable 27 podium finishes for the Arnold club.
‘They have made me incredibly proud’
Leading the team was BKS head coach and ICO England Points Coach Warren Bennett.
Reflecting on the championships, he said: “It’s hard to put into words what the last six days have meant to me, both personally and as a coach.
“Having the opportunity to coach and represent Team England is something I will never take for granted.”
Speaking about the performances of the BKS fighters, he added: “I’ve witnessed courage, resilience, maturity, sportsmanship and performances that have made me incredibly proud.
“They have given me memories I will cherish forever and made me one incredibly proud coach.”
The medal haul caps a hugely successful trip to France for the Arnold club, with its fighters returning home as 16-time world champions and 27-time medallists.
