John and Shalane show off their respective medals after a successful stint in 2015 Junior International Cup karate championship.
Cousins Shalene Lee and John Sawal reign supreme in their categories at the conclusion of Junior International Cup karate championship recently held in Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lee and Sawal dominated their counterparts from Unites States of America and Mexico to rule their divisions.
The 17-year-old Lee tops the Female Elite Kata category, while her fellow Canadian team mate Lisa Deshaies Frurumuto landed in second followed by Giselle Kaneda of United States and Alejandra Torija Garcia of Mexico, 3rd and 4th, respectively.
Sawal, on the other hand, rules the 18-20 Male Elite Kata while another Canadian, Nicholas Patrick Rivest finished second ahead of David Vasquez of Mexico and James Randall of USA.
Lee and Sawal, both product of Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver, together with two others were two of four participants with Filipino descent among Canadian contingents.
“I’m so proud of my daughter and nephew. They really work hard and give their best possible effort to bring honor for Canada,” said Shalene’s mom, Edna, who happens to be the sister of John’s mother, Minda.
A total of 239 athletes from 39 countries joined the annual tournament held last April 2-5.
USA Karate organized the three types of competition namely, the North American Cup, Junior International Cup and the US Open.
This year would be a busy one for Lee and Sawal as they embark on another international tournament in the Pan Am Games set to take place in Sta. Cruz, Bolivia in August and a World Cup in Indonesia this November.
Lee and Sawal were also participants of numerous BC Winter Games in previous years.
“I’m so happy and satisfied with my performance,” says Shalene. “I hope I can keep it up.” For his part, John, vows to continue his well deserved success in future international championships.
