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 …
