Langwith kickboxer brings home the gold

Jade Humphries, a Shirebrook Academy student, won the medals at the WTKA Best of British competition, going up against advanced black belt fighters.

She competed in two categories – up to age 16 and 16 to 18 – winning gold medals in both.

Jade said: “I’m so proud that I’ve been so successful with my kickboxing.

“I just love fighting and perfecting all the moves. Each fight is different but that’s the thrill of it.

“I am determined and I knew that I could do it – I was just as good as everyone I went up against.”

Earlier this year, Jade also competed in the World Championships for Kick Boxing in Tuscany, representing England.

She came second in the two categories she competed in – under 65kg and under 75kg – and was only one point off a gold medal.

Jade, who has been kickboxing since she was six and competing since she was eight, said: “It was a huge honour to be representing my country at such a young age. “It was always something that I dreamed of doing but never dared get my hopes up.

“I was upset that I didn’t get the gold medal – and to know that I was so close was frustrating – but silver is an amazing achievement and I was really pleased to finish in a medal position.

“I’m going to go back in 2014 and compete again – and I want to come home with gold.”

Jade practices twice a week with her kick boxing club, Spirit Sport Karate and Kickboxing in Sutton, but the training ramps up when a competition is looming.