Rydal Penrhos is delighted to celebrate the incredible karate success of Year 11 pupil Toby Simmons.
Toby’s hard work and dedication paid off in spectacular fashion last weekend when he claimed the Gold Medal in the 14-to-15 male cadets’ category at the prestigious EKF International Open in London.
This marks the most illustrious victory to date in Toby’s flourishing karate career. To secure the title, Toby defeated the same finalist who had narrowly bested him just a week earlier at a BKF competition in Sheffield, where Toby earned a Silver Medal. To win Gold is not only a reflection of Toby’s skill and aptitude, therefore, but a demonstration of his perseverance and determination to constantly improve.
Following Toby’s EKF International Open success, he travelled to Cardiff to train with the national squad. Selection to the Wales squad opens a number of doors for the young karateka, including the possibility of competing at the World Karate Federation (WKF) World Championships in Venice later in the year.
Toby’s current success is just the latest success story in his karate career. Last year, he finished fourth in both the European and World Karate Championships in Romania, where he was one of only nine individuals chosen to represent Wales. Toby’s consistent progress and recent victories are a testament to his hard work, discipline, and the exceptional support provided to aspiring young athletes at Rydal Penrhos.
As a school, we are immensely proud of our pupils’ sporting endeavours; whether they are representing our school colours, or furthering an individual pursuit outside of school hours. The Rydal Penrhos school day and sporting programme is designed to ensure that talented pupils like Toby can pursue their sporting passions while also excelling academically.
With another UK international competition in Warwick approaching in just a few days’ time, and the possibility of competing at major youth league events over the coming season, Toby’s future in karate is looking incredibly bright. All of us at Rydal Penrhos are immensely proud of his achievements and wish him continued success as he pushes for even greater heights.
