Strabane’s ‘Karate Kid’ Lucas shines again in Scotland

STRABANE’S ‘Karate Kid’, Lucas O’Donnell, continued his impressive run of form since returning to competitive action following 20 months of lockdown and Covid-inflicted inactivity with another stunning string of successes in Dundee at the Kanzen Cup international tournament.

The supremely talented 11-year-old had already enjoyed victories in Bury and then two weeks later created history at Fight Night in Swansea when he became the first Irish fighter ever to win the champion’s belt in Wales.

Then, at the weekend past, in Scotland, the Year 8 Holy Cross College pupil claimed an amazing six medals – three gold, two silver and one bronze – against rivals from across the world, including Pakistan, Romania, Belgium, France, Scotland, England and Wales.

O’Donnell, who represents North West Shotokan Karate Club, exceeded even his own high expectations by not only impressing in his own age group and belt grade, but against older and more experienced kids in the grade and age group above.

He won a gold medal in his own 11-12 years age group at his own purple belt in the Ippon before moving up to the brown and black belt grade where he repeated the trick in both Ippon and Nihon.

He also claimed silver medals in the 11-12 years purple belt Kata and 13-14 years purple belt Ippon and a bronze medal in the 11-12 years purple belt Nihon.

In total, Lucas fought 15 bouts and won 12 of them during an action-packed day in Dundee that ran from 9am until 11pm on Saturday as competitors from across Europe and further afield did battle on the mats.

“I’m enjoying being back on the mats very much, but I can’t believe the success I’m having at the minute,” Lucas said during a break from his homework after returning home on Sunday evening.

He contiued: “Fighting the age-group above and belt grade above is very, very, very stressful because they are a higher belt than me and have more experience.

“That means that you have to put in so much effort so you can be a step above them all. I was stunned to win the brown and black [Ippon and Nihon].”

Lucas will now have another break from competitive action until after Christmas during which time he will continue to train and develop his skills at North West Shotokan Karate Club and with his dad, Eathan.