A TALENTED Horwich schoolgirl is getting her kicks out of Thai boxing after recently becoming a British champion.

Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil Charlotte Antoni excelled in the Thai and K1 boxing categories.

Antoni, aged 12, has been competing in the sport for two years and it has been a roller-coaster ride to the top.

Dad Edwin Antoni said: “We are so proud of what she has done in such a short space of time.

“She started Thai Boxing for confidence and self-defence and then became the interclub and North West area champion in 12-18 months.

“She has recently moved to Peel Thai club in Walkden and, under the instruction of Geoff Downes, she has won two decision fights in the last two months.

“She added the WKA title to qualify for the UK finals in July and then picked up the British titles at Birmingham last week. She is going there to win the UK title and then win at the Worlds.

“I think she just loves the sport because of the self-confidence it has given her but it could also come in handy when she is older in terms of self-defence.”

It has helped her to qualify for the World Championships in Italy in October.

Edwin added: “Charlotte is an upcoming talent in a very male-orientated sport. “She has many months of hard work and dedication ahead of her but is determined to reach her goal to become World Champion with the amazing training and support from her club.

“Her teachers and officials from the school have been brilliant and they are so proud of what she has achieved. Antoni featured in the Your Sport supplement last year after winning the North West belt in Thai Boxing. We also reported how she won the WKA title belt in Rotherham in March and entered into World Championships in Italy in November.

-If you are interested in sponsoring Charlotte contact Edwin on 07943 802 707.