TOKYO 2020: A dream of competing on the world stage in front of family and friends is driving Australia’s next generation of Karate stars, after Tokyo 2020 organisers recommended to the IOC the sport should be included at the 2020 Games.

Victorian Renee Caruso says the announcement is a dream come true.

“It’s just perfect timing. I’m 25-years-old now so by Tokyo it’ll be perfect. It’s something we’ve wanted for so long this would just be the pinnacle of my sporting career and of Karate.”

With the Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC has allowed organising committees to make proposals for the inclusion of one or more additional events on the Olympic programme.

Karate, alongside surfing, baseball/softball, skateboarding and sport climbing, will be presented to the IOC at the 129th IOC Session in Rio in August 2016.  

While the decision still needs to be ratified by the IOC, Australian Karate Federation President Michael Kassis says it’s a great day for the sport.

“The exposure that we hope to attain from the announcement today will drive our organisation and sport to attract greater participation levels in all areas, from junior programs, to schools and club levels, with the resultant higher levels of participation leading to even stronger showings by Australian karate representatives at championships, including the Olympic Games.”

“With the attraction of competitors being able to compete at the Olympic Games it will mean that the sport within Australia has over 100,000 active participants in karate and these numbers will significantly increase backed by today’s announcement.”

Caruso, who competes in Kata, has her eye on a medal at the Games.

“I’m the current Victorian and National champion in the senior female division and at the last World Championships last year I finished ninth so I’m in contention.”

“The Games would be a world stage I’ve never seen before, it’d just be amazing.”

For Adelaide’s Michelle Wilson, Tokyo 2020 would be a realisation of hopes held since before Sydney 2000.

“When I was 15 we were hoping for 2000. One day we were hoping for the Olympics. Now this has happened!”

Speaking from Germany where she’d just finished a Kumite competition, she said the Games offered an opportunity for young Karate practitioners to step up.

“It’s a great opportunity for juniors of the sport looking towards Tokyo. We’ve just had some great results at the recent Commonwealth Championships with the juniors so that’s really good sign for Australia.

“For Australian athletes they’ll be more engaged in competition and maybe stick at it more. It just makes the sport even more legitimate.

“It’s just going to give people something to look forward to. It’s amazing.”

Annie Kearney
olympics.com.au