A FIREFIGHTER from Andover and his two sons have made the town proud by representing England in the Tae Kwon Do International World Championships.
Chris Smith, and his two sons – Luke and Jack – participated in the event held in Coventry over July 22-23.
The younger one, eight-year-old Jack, who has been training for approximately 18 months, won gold at the event and became the under 10 green belt world champion.
His elder brother, 13-year-old Luke, and Chris himself – both black belt – achieved fantastic scores, but unfortunately didn’t make the top three this time.
READ MORE: Jade Jones hungry to make 'sporting history' and claim third Olympic gold medal
They live in Anna Valley and train at Andover TAGB (Tae Kwon Do Association Great Britain) sessions held at Winton Community Academy in London Road.
Their instructor is seventh-degree world master Charles Gellard. TAGB is Europe's largest single martial arts organisation.
Luke is going to be in Year 9 at John Hanson Community School and Jack is entering Year 4 of Clatford Church of England Primary School.
The proud dad Chris, who is a firefighter in Andover, said he was so happy to see his sons making great progress in martial arts.
He said: “I started training in karate when I was around seven. And I always want my boys to do it because it gives a foundation to fitness, discipline, balance, strength, coordination, and respect for everyone in the club. I think it teaches all children such a good grounding for all morals.”
Both Chris and his elder son Luke started training in Tae Kwon Do in 2017, and attended their first world championship in 2018.
SEE ALSO: Vauxhall crashes into fence and telecoms box on Andover road
They became black belts in 2021 and later signed up Jack to the classes when he turned seven.
“I think it’s the right age to start martial arts training. Although he has been training only for 18 months, I’m very proud to see Jack becoming world under 10 champion and winning gold.”
There were six people who represented England from Andover TAGB. It includes Louise Gibb who returned with a gold and a silver in her events.
To know more about Andover TAGB, visit andovertagb.co.uk/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here