One Australind teenager has taken an interest in boxing and delivered knockout results.
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Charlotte Haskayne, a Year 9 student at Bunbury Catholic College, won gold in the Under 15s’ 57 kilogram Schoolgirls category at the U19s Australian National Championships in Perth last month.
Haskayne defeated Tahlea Toohey in the final on Friday, March 23.
She and U15s 38kg Schoolgirls national champion Tara Moss also picked up the Best U15s Women’s Team title during the tournament.
“At first, I was really nervous,” she said.
I wasn’t nervous to get hurt, I was nervous because I didn’t want to lose.
“In the second round, I kind of knew I was winning because I was putting her on the ropes.
“It was a very long journey. There were a lot of early mornings, late nights and a lot of hard training sessions.
“It felt really good. I cried and so did my parents.”
The victory was one of two highlights for Haskayne during the tournament. She also got the chance to meet Australian boxing legend Danny Green.
Haskayne said she was proud to have competed on state and national levels.
The boxer is now working towards qualifying for international competitions.
She first put on the gloves in 2015, jumping at the chance to learn self-defence.
“My dad decided to take me to the gym for the first time because I was getting bullied,” she said.
“I started to actually enjoy it. I decided that I wanted to go further with it, learn how to properly box, and then start getting into fights.
“It was all just about having fun and learning how to do it.
“The people are really nice and I have really enjoyed it.”
Haskayne runs every morning and trains five days per week at Denning Boxing and Fitness Gym.
During her gym training, she follows a regiment of running, hitting bags, sparring, and partner work to constantly refine her style.
The boxer thanked trainers John Hinsey and the late Peter Stokes for their tremendous efforts.
“The trainers at the gym are really supportive, they support me all the way,” she said.
Haskayne said those interested in boxing should give it a go.
“Give it the best you’ve got,” she said.
“If you’re looking to go further in the sport, always work on your technique before getting into a fight.
“For your first fight, train hard and do what your coach tells you to do.”
Want to find out more about competitive boxing in Australia? Visit boxingwa.org.au or the Boxing WA Facebook page.
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