IT WAS a last minute entry into the Australian National Muay Thai titles for Coolum local Harry Burke, but the short notice paid off with the 14-year-old bringing home the silver medal.
Harry’s coach Stevie Pye, who has practised Muay Thai for more than 20 years, said Harry was given two days’ notice he was going to compete in the titles, but the young gun came out a winner.
“Harry made it to the gold medal fight, coming away with the silver medal,” Stevie said.
Harry has been training with Stevie at the Yah Pit Muay Thai studio and can train up to five days a week when preparing for a fight.
Stevie said he was proud of his student, who put in a great effort to prepare for the titles.
“His medal is well-deserved. He certainly puts in the effort and trains hard,” Stevie said.
Harry said the fight was hard and it was a struggle to lose the 4kg needed before the weigh in, but he will have longer to prepare for his next fight in the Siam Cup, a major junior series championship to be held in Brisbane on 14 November, and preparations have already started.
“I will start running up and down hills, training hard and preparing for the fight,” Harry said.