Midland schoolgirl Ellie is world number one kickboxing champ

A Staffordshire school is celebrating after an “incredible” student was crowned both the UK and World kickboxing champ.

Ellie Harvey, a Year 9 pupil at The Hart School, Rugeley, has reason to be jubilant after taking home gold from every national kickboxing competition, making her the No 1 in Great Britain for her age and weight.

The 13-year-old lifted the final national title she had left to win at Bristol’s Open Kickboxing Tournament – the UK’s largest tournament with 1500 entries from across the globe – earlier this month, giving her a clean gold sweep of all the UK titles for her age group.

And, Ellie, who trains six days a week at Rugeley Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, has also got a world title under her belt too, which she scooped back in September.

So proud 

Ellie’s mum Lynette Harvey, of Rugeley, said: “There aren’t enough words to describe how proud we are of Ellie for all that she has achieved at such a young age.

“The highlight so far for us was seeing her standing on top of the podium at this year’s World Championships with her name in lights and the National Anthem playing.

“That was a magical moment that we will never forget.”

The Hart School Principal Chris Keen said: “Ellie’s tremendous achievements are all the more impressive due to her incredible modesty.

“We are so proud to have a Number 1 national and world champion in the school, and she is a role model of the very highest calibre.”

“Nothing short of incredible” – Ellie’s mum

Ellie also gives up her one night a week that she’s not training to teach younger children on a one-to-one basis.

Her mum added: “From the first day Ellie started kickboxing, her passion and dedication has been nothing short of incredible.

“Despite her hectic training and competing schedule, she’s always continued to make sure her schooling doesn’t suffer, often taking homework with her if she is competing abroad for the weekend.

“She is an inspiration and a fantastic role model to all young people and we’re excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Olympics could be next for Ellie

And scooping UK No 1 and a world title isn’t the end of Ellie’s sporting aspirations, because competing in the 2024 Olympics could also be on the horizon for the dedicated teenager.

WAKO – World Association of Kickboxing Organisations – Kickboxing has now been officially accepted into the 2021 International World Games, and it’s currently progressing towards Olympic recognition, with hopes high that it will form part of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Ellie is also a member of the WAKO Great Britain team and is currently looking for sponsors to assist her in continuing to compete at the highest level in 2019.