Aquinas student Jacinta set to represent Australia at world karate championships
It started at a shopping mall. A small stand was advertising self-defence classes, and five-year-old Jacinta discovered karate.
Nearly a decade later, the Year 9 Aquinas Catholic College Menai student is heading to Poland to represent Australia at one of the most prestigious international competitions in junior karate, the 2026 World Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Bielsko-Biała.
From 14–18 October, the championships will bring together about 2,000 young athletes from more than 100 countries. Jacinta will compete in the Cadet category, for athletes aged 14 and 15.
Selection comes after plenty of wins, and just as many lessons from losses.
"To get the chance to represent Australia at the World Championships means the world to me. It feels like a dream come true and I will try to fulfil my goals and get the most out of this experience," Jacinta said.
"When I step on the mat with my Australian team uniform it will feel like the result of years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice. It will mean representing my country with pride and honour. Wearing the green and gold will show that I've earned my place, and I am ready to give my all."
A proud Aquinas community
James Clancy, Principal at Aquinas Catholic College Menai said the whole school would be cheering Jacinta on as she competes overseas.
"Jacinta joins an elite group of Aquinas students who have represented Australia on the international stage. Everyone here at Aquinas is incredibly proud of Jacinta, who exemplifies the qualities we strive to nurture in all our students: a commitment to excellence, courage and resilience in the face of challenge, and a spirit that inspires her peers," Mr Clancy said.
Away from the mat, Jacinta is just as focused on her studies.
"Balancing my sport with my studies is not an easy task. However, because I'm passionate about both, I make it work. As I train five to six times a week, I plan my week around fixed commitments, keeping a study-first mindset. I communicate with my teachers for extra help and use time-management strategies for assessment tasks," Jacinta said.
"It's also important for me to protect my sleep and recovery so I can perform well in my academics and sport."
Marisa Hair, Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing at Aquinas has seen that focus first-hand.
"Despite her success, Jacinta remains incredibly humble. She never seeks attention and instead quietly achieves at a very high level. Her discipline, reliability and steady work ethic make her a standout student who models what determination and balance look like in practice," Ms Hair said.
Thanks to those who helped
Jacinta says she didn't get here on her own.
"I'm so grateful to those who have supported me so far. I'm thankful to my coaches from my club, Miyagi Kan Karate, for their support through my training and competitions, as well as my family for sticking with me and supporting my journey the whole way.
"Without these people, none of this would be possible and I am forever grateful."
At Sydney Catholic Schools we believe sport is for everybody, not just the elite athlete.
