FOLLOWING in her father's footsteps, Esmie Beardsley fought her way to four gold medals and one silver when international karate teams from Australia and Germany took on Samurai Great Britain at Hereford Leisure Centre.
The 16-year-old's father is former world champion Tom Beardsley, an instructor for Samurai UK whose headquarters are in Hereford.
Hereford's Esmie did exceptionally well in the individual fighting events, winning her age group and the female open category. Jury Chather was close on her heels and won his age and open fighting categories.
The best male award went to Australian Ben Apap.
The team final was the climax of the day. Although the Austra-lians were a bigger side, Britain pulled off a spectacular 4-1 win.
The British synchronised kata teams then gained gold and silver in a close run event.
Amy Powell, Gemma Atkin and Esmie Beardsley gained gold, while Thomas Beardsley, Ben Marsden and Anthony Begbie were silver winners. Bronze went to Australia.
Tournament organisers Brian Jarvis, Phil Powell and Tom Beardsley worked extremely hard and can now relax before a return matchwhich is being arranged to be held in Melbourne.
l Top picture: Austra-lians K Lang and Y Kamada battle it out at Hereford.
l Above: The successful Samurai Great Britain team, back row (left to right): Paul Jones (coach), Alexander Horsfall (London), Ben Marsden (Ross), Jury Chather (Coventry); front: Alex Britton (Hereford), Amy Powell (Hereford) and Esmie Beardsley (Hereford).
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