By IW Observer.co.uk
The Isle of Wight Panther Kickboxing Club struck gold at the WKO European Championships in Barnsley on Saturday.
Five members of the club, based at TJ’s Gym in Lake, took home medals with Aaron McHugh and Dominic Marsh each winning two golds in their events, Harleigh Abbott a gold and two silver, Zak Harvey a gold and George Borrett two silver.
The club was formed by head coach, Steven Marsh, a 3rd Dan Black Belt and, in the mid-80’s, moving to its Lake headquarters in 2016 and is run by his son, Dominic. Steven, a former IMAO British Kickboxing Champion and IBF British Karate team captain, said: “It was a phenomenal performance from this little Isle of Wight club.
“We have around 40 members from the age of six upwards. These guys train so hard. They are here three times a week with others doing extra sessions and, when a big tournament comes up, they are training five times a week.
“We are hoping to get kickboxing recognised as an Olympic sport under the umbrella of the World Association of Kickboxing (WAKO) and we could be competing in Los Angeles in 2028.
“Three of the team have been invited to the Lilleshall National Sports Centre in July and, if successful, will be given GB tracksuits. Then their target will be the WAKO European championships later in the year in Turkey.”
Isle of Wight Observer 
Isle of Wight Observer