The Echo Sports Star of the Month for October – Jodie Browne

FOLLOWING her tremendous gold medal win at the WAKO World Senior Kickboxing Championships in Jesolo, Italy, Jodie Browne has been declared The Echo Sports Star of the Month for October.

Competing in the -70kg division, the Tallaght Martial Arts competitor had to negotiate a tough path en route to the top of the podium, surmounting the challenge of defending champion Tina Baloh from Slovenia to secure her place in the decider where she then beat Germany’s European title holder Stefane Mergli.

Both Jodie and Keri Browne, along with TMA clubmate, Rebecca Kelch were also selected for the Irish squad that contested the women’s team competition at the World Championships.

They served up a tremendous display to beat Guatemala, Mexico and Germany in the approach to the final in which they narrowly lost out to Great Britain.

For Jodie Browne, who has previously won World and European titles as a junior, it was a brilliant close to a difficult 18-month period without competition.

“Our athletes really pulled out all the stops preparing for that one”, said TMA coach Dave Heffernan.

“We were doing zoom sessions, training in their back gardens, in the park when outdoor training was allowed, but only recently have we been back in our club.

“It has been with a great sense of pride that we’ve witnessed the resilience and determination of these young athletes, but that’s what martial arts does” he said.