Multi-talented Georgia Courtenay of Gravesend’s Star Kickboxing wins ISKA British Kickboxing crown and European boxing belt on successive days while junior members add to club’s title haul

A plethora of titles have been won by young stars from Gravesend’s Star Kickboxing.

Georgia Courtenay, 19, won the ISKA British Kickboxing title at the Cannock Chase Leisure Centre against York’s Marisha Christie.

She and the club’s coaches then raced across to the Barnsley Metrodome where Star Kickboxing enjoyed more success at the WKO European Open the following day.

“It was fantastic,” said coach Leigh Haworth, who runs the club alongside son Paul. “It’s just mind-blowing.

“We’ve not come down off the cloud yet!”

Those triumphant in Barnsley included Lexie Gunner, 13, and 12-year-old Millie Greenfield, who won titles in both kickboxing and boxing.

Riley Smith came third and fellow nine-year-old Romen-Lee Meeham won his belt in kickboxing.

Haworth said: “They’re like five heroes at the club, if you like. Romen-Lee is an absolute legend. He’s only nine. They all fought their hearts out.”

Student-coach Courtenay also was back in action in Barnsley, as she claimed a boxing belt.

“She’s absolutely over the moon,” said Haworth. “She got the British ISKA and European WKO titles. She took that off a young girl from Lithuania. She destroyed her!

“She’s my granddaughter, Paul’s her dad. It’s a family affair.”

Competitors came from India, France, Germany and Lithuania to take part in Barnsley, with hundreds of bouts held.

“It was a really big event,” Haworth said. “Millie is only 12 but she’s as strong as an ox. We’re so proud of all of them.”

Haworth expects to see their prospects bask in some glory.

“It’s good for the kids,” he said. “They can show mates ‘Look, I made it into the newspaper’ which is excellent for them.”