Collins claims three medals at world kickboxing championships

The kickboxing prowess of Aoife Collins was further enhanced at the World Kickboxing and Karate Association World Championships when the talented martial artist won two gold medals and a bronze medal at the global tournament in Sheffield.

Aoife is a long-time member of the Na Fianna martial arts school based in the Summerhill Business Park and her success in Sheffield is indicative of the coaching she has received from the club’s founder Martin Ward.

Competing in three disciplines at the tournament, the Baylin native claimed gold medals in the kickboxing light and low kick kickboxing competitions. She completed her medal haul with a bronze award in the full contact kickboxing discipline.

“I had to win five kickboxing fights in total during the tournament so the whole experience was just so rewarding,” Aoife said.

Competing in the adult class (ages 18-39), Aoife has been continuously performing to a high standard with Na Fianna leading to her selection for Ireland prior to the start of the tournament in Sheffield.

In 2023, Aoife claimed three gold medals at the Unified World Martial Arts Championships in Tuscany, Italy.

A second year veterinary student at TUS Athlone, Aoife retains a passion for the sport she started over ten years ago, the “thrill of participation” giving her cause to sustain a prominent presence in major tournaments.

“Kickboxing is also great for your fitness levels and has helped me when I am playing Gaelic football with my local club Caulry,” Aoife added.

Aoife expressed her thanks to her coach Martin Ward who “is always available for support and guidance”.

Looking ahead towards 2026, she is hoping to once again compete and add to her comprehensive medal haul at the Unified World Martial Arts Championships in Italy.