Jesolo, Italy
13th–21st September 2025
Jesolo, Italy
Author: Head Coach of Youth Squad – Chris Collymore
Saturday 13th September – Arrival & Weigh-ins
Team GB arrived in the beautiful city of Jesolo, Italy, travelling from airports across the UK. After a long day of journeys and weigh-ins, every fighter successfully made weight—already showing the discipline and dedication expected at a tournament of this calibre. With the squad spread across five hotels, strong organisation and teamwork ensured everyone was connected and prepared for the days ahead.
Sunday 14th September – The Draw
The official draw set the stage. Team GB brought an impressive 129 athletes, making 198 starts across the week. Out of 1850 athletes representing 41 nations, Team GB ranked 5th in entry numbers, proving the depth and scale of our youth programme.
The championships attracted nearly 2400 entries—a clear reminder that the WAKO European Championships are one of the toughest and most prestigious stages in world kickboxing. With 112 referees from 32 countries, every bout was guaranteed fairness and professionalism.
The opening ceremony captured the spirit of the championships, with Team GB proudly represented by flag bearers Dominic Scott, Eira-Gwyn Bishop, and Neve Clark, standing shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s best.
Monday 15th September – The Action Begins
The wait was over—competition began across 8 tatami areas (Point Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light) and 3 rings (Full Contact, K1, Low Kick).
Team GB had 81 starts, recording 48 wins—a 59% win ratio. A strong start to the campaign, with William Wheatley and Ella Gaskell named “Competitors of the Day.”
Tuesday 16th September
Momentum built with 99 starts and an outstanding 61 wins, lifting Team GB to a 62% win ratio. Standout performances came from Aria Wheatley and Matthew Neptune.
Wednesday 17th September
A demanding day with 106 starts, but the squad rose to the challenge, taking 62 wins and another 59% win ratio. Credit goes to the coaching staff and coordinators for flawless organisation. “Competitors of the Day” were Liam Little and Neve Clark.
Thursday 18th September – Semi-Finals & Finals
The atmosphere hit new heights as the stakes rose. Team GB delivered 40 wins from 64 fights (63%), securing:
- 4 European Champions
- 5 Silver medallists
- 17 Bronze medallists
“Competitors of the Day” went to Zakariyah Ahmed and Eira-Gwyn Bishop.
Friday 19th September – Finals Day
The big stage. 38 finals and the chance to crown new champions. Team GB produced 23 gold medals with a 61% win ratio—an incredible display of skill and determination.
“Competitors of the Day”: Rory Harrison and Maia Bisley.
Saturday 20th September – Team Event & Closing Finals
The last day brought fireworks, with 10 finals and the prestigious team events. Team GB added 5 more European champions, alongside an exceptional team haul:
- 5 Gold medals
- 2 Silver medals
- 2 Bronze medals
The Older Cadet Girls Team and Junior Female Team became WAKO European Team Champions.
When the dust settled, Team GB topped the medal table with a remarkable 34 Gold, 30 Silver, and 36 Bronze medals.
Special Recognition
The final accolade of the championships—the Fighter of the Tournament awards—saw Rory Harrison crowned Tatami Male Fighter of the Tournament, after securing three Gold medals across Point Fighting, Light Contact, and Kick Light. A huge achievement that underlines the world-class talent within Team GB.
Thank You
Behind every medal is a team effort. Immense thanks go to our National Coaches, Pathway Coaches, referees Peter Markland, Gary Davey, and Geoff Aldridge, and to those working tirelessly behind the scenes: Lucy Edwards, Peter Edwards, Neville Wray, Linda and Nigel Baxter.
Finally, appreciation goes to Matthew Platt and Gordon Mitchell for keeping Team GB’s social media alive with content all week—making sure our athletes’ achievements reached supporters back home.
Final Word
The 2025 WAKO Youth European Championships will be remembered not just for the medals, but for the unity, professionalism, and world-class performances delivered by our athletes and coaches.
Team GB stood tall, inspired Europe, and proved once again why the WAKO European Championships are the gold standard in youth kickboxing.
