Making an Australian karate team was a dream come true for Nicholas Gavos, let alone winning a medal.
The Keilor Downs College year 11 student earlier this month competed at the 2022 Oceania Championships against some of the best fighters in the world in New Caledonia.
In his first time competing at a competition of this level, Gavos won silver in the junior over-76 kilograms category.
“It was pretty surreal to be at a tournament like that,” he said. “To be on a big stage for the first time representing Australia after days, months and years of preparation.
“Both my parents and my coaches have supported me as I’ve done this on top of school.
“It’s been hard work on both ends.”
Gavos said he didn’t have big expectations heading into the event, other than to have fun and enjoy the experience of facing the tough competition.
He said he was surprised to have gone that well.
“It was a dream to make the team, let alone the finals,” he said.
“I was able to prove myself wrong. At times I’ve had issues with mental preparation.
“I’ve become more mature and now I can see outside the box a bit more.”
While Gavos got to face some new tough opposition, he was beaten by someone he knows well, Paes Kemp.
While Kemp represented Narau at the event, he trains alongside Gavos at Kimekai Martial Arts and with the Victorian team.
“It was a shame we weren’t wearing the same colours,” he said. “There were emotional scenes when we got our medals. Our coach was so proud.”
Gavos said they would take what they had learned at the championships and filter training to continue developing.
He said karate is something that helps make him a better person.
“The sport keeps me on my toes,” he said.
“I push to get the best out of myself, not only in health and fitness but as a person, it challenges you every day to set the bar.”
Gavos started training in Airport West and Tullamarine in Kassis Karate Academy, before making the move to the other side of the city.
He now trains at Kimekai Martial Arts in Highett both morning and night, with school in between meaning a lot of travel from one side of the city to the other.
Having tasted his first success on an international level, Gavos is keen to get back out there and have another shot against the best in the world.
“We’ll review it and filter more training,” he said. “I’ll do more training, get into more competitions, hopefully get more spots in international events.
“I want to represent Australia again and wear those colours. It’s an honour to work with those legends in the Australian team.
“It’s surreal for me.”
