An eight-year-old boy from Dromore has set the gold standard by winning his first world title at the WKO (World Kickboxing Organisation) World Championships in Barnsley over the weekend.
Kian McAviney, a pupil at St. Colman’s Primary School, began his martial arts journey at just four years old, following in the footsteps of his mum Karla, a world-level competitor and WKA title holder.
Now, under the guidance of coaches Jade Hawthorne at Evolve Martial Arts in Portadown and Patrick Rice at Full Circle Martial Arts in Belfast, Kian is carving out a championship path of his own.
The McAviney family set off from Dromore at 3am to travel via Dublin and Manchester to the Barnsley Metrodome, where Kian took to the tatami representing Northern Ireland.
After an intense day of competition, Kian returned home with a WKO world title and a silver medal — a phenomenal achievement for such a young athlete.
Already the reigning WKA Northern Ireland champion for his age and weight, Kian has now also earned a place on the Northern Ireland national team heading to the WKU World Championships in Germany this October.
Despite his age, Kian trains rigorously, travelling across the UK and Ireland to compete, while still finding time to practise his kicks — even in airport lounges, late into his return back home over the weekend.
His coaches have helped shape his technique and confidence, with family support proving key to his success.
Speaking to Armagh I, Kian’s dad Kevin, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Kian, not just for the medals, but for the dedication and heart he puts into everything he does.
“He trains hard, listens to his coaches, and genuinely loves the sport. Watching him grow and represent Northern Ireland at such a high level is something truly special.”
