McGlynn bows out of under-14 ranks with medal success

MICHAEL McGlynn ended his career in the under-14 ranks on a high by winning a bronze medal at the World Karate Federation’s Youth League event in Spain.

It was the Strabane Shotokan Karate Club member’s second such success at the highest level, having also picked up a bronze medal at the World Youth League competition in Vienna in December when he became the first Ulster fighter to achieve such a feat.

While he excelled on that occasion, his performance levels took a step forward in Spain where he was unlucky to miss out on a place in the final by way of a technicality.

After beating two Portuguese opponents, a Spaniard, an Italian and a Saudi Arabian, he came up against another Saudi in the semi-final, which proved to be one of the fights of the day, finishing in a draw. Unfortunately for Michael, it was his opponent, who went on to win gold, who got the nod as he has scored the first point of their encounter.

“He just missed out on the final this time, but he won the repêchage, so he has another bronze medal at that world level,” beamed Strabane Shotokan Karate Club coach, Simon O’Dowd.

“It was the same medal as the last time but it was a better bronze because he competed better, he was more assured.

“He was good in the last one, but he was better in this one and he was so, so close to getting to the final. It was 3-3 in the semi-final but the other guy scored first, which is how they were separated.

“In the end, Michael was only beaten by the winner, who said he gave him his harder fight all day. He was the only one who got near him.

Michael, who has flourised under the stewardship of Strabane Shotokan Karate Club and regional Ulster coach, James McFadden, will step up to under-16 cadet level in the near future once he celebrates his 14th birthday, and O’Dowd believes the Holy Cross College pupil will continue to develop and succeed at that level.

“He’ll be up against older boys, but he’s ready for it and he’ll grow into the category,” O’Dowd observed.

“His development is going in the right direction.”