My journey to the 2024 WKF Junior World Karate Championships in Italy and 2024 Budapest Open in Hungary

My name is Logan Somerville, and I am 18 years old. I have been training karate at Fushin Ryu Karate in Auckland since I was 5 years old, a total of 13 years. I focus and compete in the fighting discipline of karate (kumite), and it brings me joy everyday I step foot into the dojo to train. I've represented New Zealand proudly numerous times (since 2016), and currently hold 3 total Gold Oceania Championships titles, 5 Gold Australian Open titles, a bronze medal in the USA Open, and placing 11th in the 2024 World Youth league in Fujairah, UAE - losing only to the gold and bronze medalists. On top of this, my current world ranking for the Junior Male Kumite is 10th place. I also flew to Turkey in 2022 to compete in the Junior World Championships, but ended up getting covid which negatively affected my performance. I'm looking for redemption at this years World Championships in Venice, as well as seeking out a medal at this years Budapest Open 2 weeks before I head to Venice, in Hungary. I will compete in the U21 Division with the weight class of -75kg in both Venice and Budapest.

Historically. KNZ Athletes receive little to no funding and currently have to slave behind a hot grill at a world renowned fast food restaurant. Anything donated would be greatly appreciated :)

Thanks for your time