Worcester student wins world karate gold after bullying

Summarised from BBC Hereford And Worcester's report · Updated 5 Nov, 11:12 · Archive

Paulina Makazlieva, 19, from Kidderminster, won gold for England at the Karate World Championships in France.

Paulina Makazlieva, 19, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, won gold for England at the Karate World Championships held in France. The University of Worcester law student claimed three medals at the International Combat Organisation tournament, including gold in the kumite sparring competition.

Makazlieva took up karate six years ago after experiencing bullying during her school years and wanting to learn self-defence. She initially treated it as a hobby but became passionate about the sport, beginning to compete four years ago. Alongside her law studies and legal training at a Kidderminster solicitors' firm, she spends up to five days a week training or working out in the gym.

She said she wanted to share her story to help others going through similar difficulties. During the gold-medal match at the world championships, she felt scared and considered quitting but drew on advice from her father and coach to persevere.

Read the report

• I took up karate after I was bullied - now I'm world championA Worcester student who took up karate after bullying has won gold at the world championships.BBC Hereford And Worcester · 5 Nov, 10:52

In this story: Paulina Makazlieva · Kidderminster · Worcestershire · University of Worcester · International Combat Organisation · France

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