Holly Wigg WKF Senior World Championships, Budapest (Hungary)

My name is Holly Wigg and I have been selected to represent New Zealand at the up-and-coming Senior World Karate Championships in Budapest (Hungary). This will be my first Senior World and I am more than honored to have earned my selection spot as the number one female for NZ. Only one from every country will be selected to compete at this prestigious event and I'm honored to be wearing the fern on my chest. Senior Worlds is a pinnacle event for karate and a lifelong dream of mine since following my sister into the dojo at the age of five. What a journey it has been so far!

Since that day I have never looked back. I have trained and competed since I was 8 through the age groups, both nationally and internationally. I trained for 13 years in Wanaka but tragically my childhood coach passed away suddenly. I had to decide what path I would take to continue my passion, not only for myself but for him. I knew he believed I would be a world champion one day.

I am now 22 years old and embarking on the biggest competition in my career. I am carrying on his legacy but also following my dream of winning a world championship. I'm so thankful to have been able to carry on my training, making the big move from my hometown of Wanaka just over 4 years ago to SSKANZ karate in Auckland. What an amazing club and support they have been to me, I consider them all family, 'my karate family'.