In what Australian Amateur Boxing Coach Mark Evans, (head coach and owner of Cooroy Impact Boxing Academy) states as the most successful Australian team to compete at a World Championships, they came home with 6 Bronze medals and a Gold. And one of these bronze medals we are proud to say was won by Cooroy’s Impact Ciara Storch. This marks her first time representing Australia at World Championship level.
Held in Colorado USA, this young lady made an impressive debut on the global stage. To say that this athlete already has outstanding career achievements would have to be an understatement of the year. Her achievements include, 1 gold medal at the Oceanic Tournament, 3 Australian National Titles, 6 State Titles and 4 National Golden Gloves These accomplishments, make her one of the most decorated female boxers in Australia.
In her opening bout at the World Championships, Ciara faced a formable opponent from Czechoslovakia. This fighter was considered one of the tournament favorites making it a challenging bout to draw straight up. However, Ciara secured a decisive victory with a unanimous decision, thus putting her directly into the semi-finals.
This bout was a close one against a powerhouse from India. Her opponent took the first round on the judges’ scorecard, but Ciara came back to take the second. It all depended on the third round, with both girls knowing that a spot in the final was on the line. However, Ciara lost the fight on a split decision: definitely a bout that could have gone either way.
“We left no stone unturned in preparation for this event. The bronze medal success was the culmination of a vigorous training schedule,” said coach Mark Evans. ‘’We ensured that she was well prepared by organizing international fights and training camps around the world.’’ This included a two-week tour of Germany where she fought three bouts for three wins. Singapore where she competed in the legacy Women’s Championships, winning two gold medals and New Zealand where she claimed victory, over the New Zealand champion: this added another international scalp to her collection.
These experiences were of the utmost importance, sharpening her skills, which contributed to her remarkable performance at the World Championships. “Next, will come a well-deserved break before commencing her preparation for the Elite World Championships in Liverpool next year. Her other goal will be to win a spot in the Commonwealth games in 2026. Her current performances tell us that she stands a strong chance of making an impact in both events,” said Coach Evans.
In summarizing Coach Evans said, ‘’These World Championships were the sixth that I have attended as an Australian Coach. I am proud to say that this team is now the most successful to compete at a World Championships securing the 6 bronze medals and the gold. Ciara Storch’s bronze at the Youth World Titles is a testament to her hard work, talent and resilience.” With her sights set on future championships the journey of this young Sunshine Coast boxer is far from over. With coach Mark Evans by her side, it is fair to say that the world is her oyster
When we take into consideration the geographical situation of Australian Amateur boxing, being so far away from the rest of the competitive world, (Europe, Asia, USA) we should become fully aware of the dollar problems. However, in all fairness it is not just boxing. Athletics, covering all track and field, martial arts, kayaking just to mention a few, unfortunately put many families behind the eight ball, right from the very start. Therefore the call for sponsorship deals must be given top priority.
As one visits and talks to local families and athletes in our community, you will become amazed at the number of both state and national champions, that are achieving major titles but lack media and sponsorship support: this leaves them living quietly and unknown in our community. Sad but true, this is the home of so many unknown world-class champions. Of those of us who support or live in the world of these people we should take pride.
Between the flags
As the seasons come and go, sadly so do the memories of times and mates that have served to make the Sunshine Coast some of the safest beaches in Queensland. Just prior to the commencement of this season one of our surf club mates, whose outstanding contribution to lifesaving was in the Coolum Beach area, passed away.
At 92yrs of age Keith Peterie, life member, trainer and belt swimmer of the Coolum club, was laid to rest. Added to his club commitments was his work as a District Supervisor for what was then known as area 1, the top end of the Sunshine coast meaning Noosa to Maroochydore. This was the 1960s the old days of belt rescues and for the rookies, training for their bronze medallions, the six-man squads.
As a District Supervisor, it was his responsibility to ensure that all aspects of club life were maintained in the highest order. Patrols had to be spot on, all gear and equipment was kept in top condition, and such things as club surf swims and belt swimming was always on the club’s weekend agenda. If things were not up to his expectations, those in charge were expected to explain the reason why: and as a rookie club captain in the early 1960s, my first gear inspection left a lot to be desired. “I know that you are a rookie club captain in your first year, so I will see you again next weekend young Lane: and make sure all is by then in order.”
I can assure you it was, and from that time he and I slowly became good friends: and on meeting at carnivals and conferences, he would hit me with the biggest grin and ask the embarrassing question, “Any gear problems?” But perhaps his most outstanding contribution to the Noosa Club was when he chaired a special general meeting, that was called to resolve a major problem.
His handling of the matter was tough but fair, and made all involved fully aware of exactly what was required. Discipline, teamwork and acceptance of one’s responsibility: and this applied to one and all. This advice was accepted, and Noosa’s core business of beach safety became the best on the Sunshine Coast.
This was to earn him the everlasting respect of the Noosa Heads SLSC. So, to you Keith Peterie we say, Viya con Dios old clubbie, Viya con Dios. Gone but not forgotten.
Noosa Athletics.
Once again, our Noosa Athletics are competing amongst the finest in the state. This time it was the Queensland All School Championships held over four days in Brisbane and our club had 10 members competing for their schools, looking to achieve a top two placings to gain selection in the Queensland all school team. These will compete in the Australian All School Championships to be held in Brisbane from 6-8 December.
The Queensland All School Championships was the pinnacle of the winter season for our school aged athletics, that have been in training since early May: and the results were outstanding. The number of PBs and qualifiers into finals speaks for themselves. Congratulations to Eli Melinz, Taya Clayton and Marlon Andrews who qualified for selection into the Queensland All School Team.
Eli Melinz 1st U15 hammer throw and 2nd 3km walk race, Taya Clayton 1st U15 90m hurdles, 2nd 200 hurdles and 4th 100m. Marlon Andrew U15 2nd, 100 and 3rd 300m, Linden Hermus U15 3rd 100m hurdles and Charlotte Brown 3rd U14 Triple Jump. Next up for our athletes will be a relay competition with the Little Athletics Regional relays and following will be the Queensland State Relay Championships in Brisbane. To Mick Hooper Level 4 High Performance Coach, Head Coach and Life Member Noosa Athletics and his support team well done to all. Once again, the results speak for themselves.
