Carluke karate kid Emma Ruthven to compete for Scotland at World Champs

Carluke karate kid Emma Ruthven hopes to give her rivals the chop at the upcoming world championships '“ despite only being 16 years old.
Carlukes Emma has been selected for the Senior World Karate Championships at the age of 16Carlukes Emma has been selected for the Senior World Karate Championships at the age of 16
Carlukes Emma has been selected for the Senior World Karate Championships at the age of 16

In a rare and remarkable achievement for one so young, the Carluke High School kid has been picked to represent Scotland at the Madrid showpiece this November.

“I’m thrilled with being picked for the World Championships,” Emma told the Carluke and Lanark Gazette.

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“It has opened up a whole new world because this time last year I would never have thought I would have got to that level.

“It has shown what I can do.

“Taking part in Madrid will be one of the most exciting things in my life.

“It’s a whole new level. Going up against high school age kids is completely different to competing against fully funded, full-time adults whose lives are karate so they’re in the gym two or three times a day.

“Getting a medal or two would be amazing at that level but it is more just about me putting in a good performance.”

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Emma’s selection comes after she made history at February’s European Championships in Sochi, where she became the first Scottish female to medal in kata when she claimed under-16 bronze.

That result moved her up to sixth place in the junior world rankings.

In a memorable year for Emma, she also got six straight ‘A’ grades in her National 5 exams despite the potential disruption caused by competing at foreign events in far flung destinations like Bulgaria.

The Shitokai Scotland member is looking for sponsorship – contact her dad Andrew on 07950 290549.