Karate king’s Olympic aim

A KARATE mad schoolboy from Godmanchester has become triple under-18 world champion - and is now turning his sights on the Olympics.

Luke Scott, just 13, returned from the World Karate Association World Championships in Karlsruhe, Germany, with four gold medals.

Hinchingbrooke School pupil Luke fought off competition from more than 3,000 rivals from 45 different countries to secure three gold medals.

Performing in front of 5,000 spectators at the Europhalle Stadium, Luke won the top prize in the open hand, soft style and Xtreme forms categories.

This type of karate is similar to a floor performance in gymnastics, involving artistic movement, rather than physical competition.

Luke's dad, and coach, Jeff Scott said: "Luke has been mad on karate ever since the age of six and is always bouncing around everywhere.

"The sport is not about chopping wood and blocks and saying 'hi-ya' as people might think it is - there is tremendous spectator appeal in the art form.

"He is absolutely delighted to be a world champion and will get the chance to defend his titles at Disneyworld, Florida next year."

Luke has competed in the under-12 age group until this year when he stepped up to under-18 level. At the championships he found himself competing against performers up to four years his senior.

Luke, of Pavilion Close, is also an elite gymnast at Huntingdon Olympic Gym Club - his age group are seen as potential competitors at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Jeff said: "The majority of the competition at the event was from America and Canada, but Luke wasn't overawed and put in some very composed performances.

"He is still training in all six disciplines in the gymnasium and will not specialise until he is around 16, but it is all eyes on 2012."

INFORMATION: To learn more visit www.worldkickboxingassociation.com