A KARATE star from the University of Worcester narrowly missed out on a medal when she competed in her first World Championships.
Yasmin Lee returned from the Shito-Ryu karate event, in Tokyo, Japan, having achieved a quarter-final place in one event and a semi-final finish in another.
The sports therapy student has been competing in karate since the age of seven, when her mum arranged for her to attend a local martial arts club as a change from dance lessons.
She has appeared at national championships before, as well as at several tournaments overseas, but this was her first time competing at the highest level.
Yasmin said: “In the UK karate is still a bit of a niche sport, but in Japan it’s totally different. The standard was incredible.
“It’s hard to compete because many of the Japanese are funded professionals. My motto is ‘do yourself proud’, that’s what I compete for, and by reaching a world semis, I did that.
“It was an amazing experience. Tokyo is as built up and busy as London, but no one’s in a rush. It’s calm and peaceful.
“It’s a place of contrasts, on one side of the street you have massive skyscrapers and bright lights, on the other side a beautiful garden with statues and waterfalls.”
The University of Worcester Scholarship Scheme, for students who would benefit from financial support to help them undertake extra curricula opportunities, awarded funding to Yasmin to meet the cost of the trip.
“The University scholarship played a big part in making this all possible. It helped meet the cost of travel, accommodation and equipment,” Yasmin added.
“I also had to work really hard throughout the summer to meet the rest of the costs myself.”
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