MEET Kaia Crawford (aka The Kaianator), who has just turned 8 years old and is already making an incredible name for herself in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling.
Based in Coleraine and fighting out of Team Ryano Causeway, Kaia is absolutely dedicated to her training and has achieved outstanding success over the last few months alone. At only 7 years old she became a Double Gold Junior World Champion, competing in Wolverhampton – a result that left her whole family bursting with pride.
Her other recent achievements include:
• 🥇 Double Gold – Junior World Champion (July)
• 🥇 Double Gold – Irish BJJ Open (May)
• 🥇 Double Gold – Empire All Ireland Open (March)
• 🥇 Gold – Solid Ground All Ireland Youth Championship (March)
• 🥇 Double Gold – Empire Grappling All Ireland Open (September)
• 🥇 Gold – Solid Ground All Ireland Youth Championship (June)
Mum Andrea said: “Kaia’s passion and determination are inspiring, not only to us, her family, but to her coaches and team mates. She trains with a maturity far beyond her years and has already shown that she has the heart and drive of a true champion.
“With her her dedication, Kaia has the potential to represent Northern Ireland proudly on even bigger stages in the years to come.”
Looking ahead, Kaia is set to travel to England later in October to compete in the World Championships Catch Wrestling – another exciting milestone in her young but already remarkable sporting journey.
Kaia in action (above and below) and, bottom, her medal collection
