Phoenix Karate Club only took a handful of competitors to the huge Invitational International Competition in Caorle, Italy, but still came home with a fistful of medals.

With over 7,000 Italians and 500 international fighters aged from seven to 15 years in action, it was an incredible achievement for four Phoenix aces from a team of ten to become champions.

On top of the World - competitors from Basildon's Phoenix Karate Club show off the medals they won at the Invitational International competition in Italy where they had four champions Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Michael Todd is a newly crowned international kata champ, and also scooped team kata gold with Billericay pair Thomas Eatherton and Luke Philippou.

The trio added gold to their recent World Championship bronze in Las Vegas and third in the nationals.

Captain Michael also collected the overall team runner-up trophy, which they were narrowly beaten to by the Russians, with Slovenia back in third despite a 40-strong team.

Phoenix coach Cheri Stokes said the success was "phenomenal and honestly unexpected" and down to hard work in training at the right club.

Kim Todd, 11, Michael's younger sister, was kata champion for her section, beating Benfleet-based team-mate Carly Astley to the title.

Also keeping in in the family was Daniel Philippou, who matched his brother's achievement in the team event by winning his individual event.

Other medallists include Linzi Mirams, seven from Benfleet, second in her age/grade event -- her first ever competition -- and ten-year-old Jessica O'Callaghan from Basildon, runner-up in the brown belt category.

Eight-year-old Josh Knight from Canvey and Christina Bass, 15, from Billericay were third in their respective categories.

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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