So what does it feel like to win big? Well local athlete Danika Plouffe can tell you all about it, after she racked in the winnings at the 2015 World Karate Competition in Orlando, Florida.
The 17-year-old won five medals in total during the competition, which took place in early November: two gold and a world champion title in Point Sparring girls 16 to 17, 50 kg, and Korean Style, two silver in Chinese Style and Traditional Kata and one bronze in Team Point Sparring.
“I’ve been to the World Champions [competition] before, but never won gold,” said Plouffe. “So I was really hoping to win [gold] and when I did I was really excited.”
She said she was nervous heading to the competition, but since she has years of experience competing, she knew what to expect, so she didn’t lack on the training.
“During the summer I would train every day, and before the World Championship I trained three days per week, I would be in the Dojo almost three hours each day, and train at home as well.”
Her mother Julie said they are more than proud.
“We’re very proud of her….she managed to accomplish a goal, which was to win a world championship, and she came up with two. She surprised us but she spent a lot of time and energy training.”
Plouffe said she started practicing karate when she was 11-years-old.
“My brother did karate and I would have to go watch and I was tired of just sitting and watching. So my dad said I might as well join and then I started getting into competitions.”
She entered her first competition, after practicing for just one year.
“We’ve seen her grow and not be as shy or timid throughout the years [of practicing karate],” said Julie. “We’ve also seen improvements in school in her focus.”
Plouffe said the season now restarts, and she will be heading to provincial, nationals, then the world championships. It will be a special year for her, as it could be her last as she will be heading off to university.
Courtesy of: Orléans Star