FALL RIVER: Carly Sawler has done something that for most would be not possible.
The nine-year-old Holland Road Elementary School student ended a training trip to California, by earning the bronze medal in a division she had never fought in before during the U.S. Open, held Feb. 14, in Las Vegas. The competition is sanctioned by the World Tae kwon do Federation (WTF).
Sawler, a blue belt at Inner Strength Tae Kwon Do, in Wellington, was pushed up to the black belt division after competing and training hard during the previous week. Master Porter also had to have her permission to allow for the move.
“It made me feel really good when I learned I won bronze,” Carly said.
Carly’s mom, Sharon Fraser, said it wasn’t the first time she had medalled. She has two gold medals in the blue belt division to her name from other competitions, including the Toronto Open.
“She went to California to train with team Quest, so Master Porter felt she was ready to compete at the all-black belt event,” Fraser said. “For a blue belt in a class that’s for 10 and 11-year-olds, we are very proud of her.”
She also got to experience something she currently doesn’t at Inner Strength, and they only found out five minutes before she was to begin that there would be head shots allowed.
“In Canada, head shots don’t start until you’re 13, even at the black belt level,” Fraser said. “She was doing head shots at nine years-old.”
For Carly, it wasn’t any big deal. However, both her parents were nervous and surprised that was allowed.
“It was awesome,” Carly said.
While in California, Carly was training for two and a half hours each day for seven days straight. The team was made up of all California State champions.
“It was really hard, but I learnt a lot like foot work,” she added. “I trained with older black belt competitors.”
She also got to experience Disneyland during her final day in California before heading to Las Vegas for the competition and then home, where she returned to school to much fan fare. Her accomplishment has even landed her on the Wall of Fame at Inner Strength.
“They said it on the announcements at school and it was really cool” Carly said. “That’s awesome because not many people get on the Wall of Fame.”
phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com