YOUNG CALLUM – WOMMA WORLD CHAMPION 2007

Callum Merrifield just 7 years of age stormed into first place having won his eliminating rounds to reach the final facing a german boy, with Callum taking the Gold Medal and World Championship Title. This was Callums` first major tournament and he had to face it without his instructor Lynne Tolcher-James, as owing to an accident Lynne wasn`t able to travel to Ireland to be with her students. Callum was outstanding and Lynne was so pleased for him, as she told the press, “Callum did not want to go without her, but he had the support from other members of the Welsh Team who supported him during the weekend of fighting, and I thank them for that”.

After a long time off training due to a serious leg injury, Ryan, and his parents were doubtful as to whether he would be able to take part, but Ryan decided that he would like to try. Lynne was pleased, and told him to do his best, and he was glad he did, as he gave an outstanding performance, and did Lynne and his parents proud by taking 2nd Place in points, after a series of hard eliminating rounds, but only losing to his Irish opponent by one point, thus having to concede to take the Silver Medal. Again, Ryan took part in the Light Contact Section, but having to face much stronger opponents, and fought extremely well to take the Bronze Medal. Ryan also took part in the team events, with 2 Wales teams taking part, with Wales taking 1st and 3rd Team Places.

Callum and Ryan returned with 4 medals between them. Gold, Silver and 2 Bronze. “Amazing said Lynne, they really shocked me especially Callum, but I knew he could do it, he just needed that little confidence boost, but I wasn`t there for him or Ryan, which saddened me, however, they made both myself and their parents very proud of them”. Ryan is currently the holder of the WKA World Title for both Points and Light Contact and will be travelling to Germany in August to compete again in this most prestigious event in the calendar of martial arts.