A rising junior karate star from Kings Park is a step closer to her Olympic dream.
Talented nine-year-old Emily Nguyen, a Brimbank Little Athletics member, took up karate aged just five under the watchful tutelage of esteemed Sensei Nghia Tran at St Albans.
And since achieving her black belt last year, the St Paul’s Catholic Primary School pupil has been working her way up through state and national competitions.
Last year produced her break-out performance, with Emily representing the state for the first time at national championships in Adelaide, claiming bronze in the eight to nine year old division.
Then came gold at the Victorian state championships in February and at the 45th Karate National Championships earlier this month in Glen Waverley.
Proud mum Phoung said now that karate will become an Olympic sport for 2020 Games in Tokyo, Emily hopes to win gold at the highest level.
“I hope her story will inspire young children to participate in more sports, not just playing computer games … and other physical activities for the younger generation,” she said.
“She trains really hard, three to four times a week – we’re really proud.”
