Canberra Muaythai fighter Charlia Hodgson is just 13-years-old, yet can already call herself a back-to-back world champion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Hodgson placed first in her Muaythai competition, defeating opponents from Iran, Turkey and the Netherlands at the youth world championships earlier this month.
Hodgson started Muaythai at the age of five, training at the Phoenix Gym in Mitchell, and has followed in the footsteps of her older brother after he introduced her to the sport.
It doesn't stop there for Hodgson, who also plays representative Oz-tag and athletics in her spare time.
Coach Anthony Manning has followed her every step of the way, describing the martial artist as "humble, focused and stubborn."
"I think in the eight years she has trained she hasn't missed a single class," Manning said.
"She is always motivated... as soon as she turned 10 years old she was wanting to compete, and she's been killing it every time."
Hodgson wasn't the only Canberran to win a youth world championship medal, with 12-year-old Dita Singer claiming bronze in her category.
Manning says it's incredible how far Hodgson has come in her skills and how Muaythai has blossomed in Canberra.
"We compete against countries that put Muaythai above other sports... it's incredible to see such talent from Canberra."
Current World Muaythai title holder Zoe Putorak, also comes from Canberra, and has been mentoring Hodgson and following in Putorak's footsteps.
Manning, who also has coached Putorak for her junior and now adult career, sees a bright future ahead for Hodgson, as he now prepares her for junior nationals in January.
"She has every chance to be more successful, nothing can stand in her way," Manning said. "Even after a win, she just continues a normal routine and prepares for her next fight."
