By Sefa AtayTHE sky's the limit for Ipswich-born Tom Canham as he begins preparations for the European Karate Championships next weekend. The 19 year-old is in confident mood after securing Gold in the Senior under 70kg category and Bronze in the Junior category at the English Karate Championships Sheffield two weeks ago.

By Sefa Atay

THE sky's the limit for Ipswich-born Tom Canham as he begins preparations for the European Karate Championships next weekend. The 19 year-old is in confident mood after securing Gold in the Senior under 70kg category and Bronze in the Junior category at the English Karate Championships Sheffield two weeks ago. In being selected he became one of the youngest ever fighters to be selected for the senior national side. “I was not expecting it at all to be honest because generally you have to be 21 to be called up to the senior squad. I'm over the moon though because it has always been a dream of mine to get into the senior squad”

Tom began practicing the martial art at the age of five and gained black belt status, aged 10. He has a string of titles to his name, including British champion, English champion, and junior Commonwealth Games champion at the age of 17.

Tom, who has received a new sponsorship deal from Ipswich-based construction company Macmillan and Wright Ltd, will travel to Estonia this weekend.

“I'm very pleased with the sponsorship. Macmillan and Wright also sponsored me to go to Turkey a few months ago so I'm very grateful to them for giving me the opportunity again.”

He will begin pre-tournament training next week prior to the weigh in on Friday. He will compete in the individual event on the Saturday and in the team event on the Sunday, before returning home on Monday.

Tom has had previous success in European tournaments and will be hoping for the same this time around. “I'm looking forward to it, hopefully I can do well and come home with a medal.”

He also admits the competition will be very tough. “I'm feeling good and can't wait to get out there. I would love to win another medal but I know it's not going to be easy. It's the European Championships so the best from all over Europe will be there. I'll give it my all and see what happens.”