November 3, 2015 9.57 am This story is over 100 months old

Lincoln pupil fights off rivals to win three medals at world kickboxing championships

Fighting star: A 13-year-old Lincoln pupil has returned home after winning three medals at the world kickboxing championships.

A 13-year-old Lincoln pupil has returned home after flying the flag for England at the world kickboxing championships in Portugal, securing three medals in the process.

Shea Couling, who attends Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, has only been kickboxing for three and a half years, but has already scooped the World Kickboxing Council English Championships.

Beating his competitors from across the country ensured that Shea qualified for the world championships in Portugal, which were held from October 24 to 26.

Representing England, Shea returned from the championships with two silver medals and one bronze to add to his growing collection.

Shea now trains all over the county up to five times a week and his already set his sights on going one better at the world championships next year.

He is also training to become a black belt in the next 12 months in his sessions at Yarborough Leisure Centre with coach Rob Marr.

Emma Couling, Shea’s mum, said: “As his parents we have a busy schedule getting him to all his classes. Shea is really determined and focused when he’s competing and we are proud of the progress he has made.

“Shea has Asperger’s syndrome but we continue to support him, he has shown that with hard work and determination, he can overcome his difficulties.

“He hopes to become an engineer when he’s older and we are taking steps to work towards that.”