Help Me Represent Australia at the 2026 Karate World Cup

My name is Georgia Williams, and I am a 14-year-old Australian karate athlete with a dream of representing Australia at the 2026 Karate World Cup in the United Kingdom.

I began karate in October 2023 during one of the most difficult periods of my life. I was experiencing severe bullying, which had a major impact on my confidence, mental health, and overall wellbeing. During this time, I was also diagnosed with multiple chronic health conditions, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), both of which affect my energy, mobility, and daily functioning.

Karate became far more than just a sport to me. It gave me a safe place to rebuild my confidence, strengthen both my mind and body, and rediscover a sense of purpose. What started as a way to cope quickly became a passion and a pathway toward achieving goals I once thought were impossible.

Despite the challenges that come with living with chronic illness, I train multiple days each week for several hours at a time and also assist in teaching younger students in several karate classes weekly. Through determination, discipline, and resilience, I have been fortunate to achieve the following results in my age and belt division:

• 2024 State Bronze Medallist in Kata
• 2025 Victorian State Champion in Kata
• 2025 State Bronze Medallist in Kumite
• 2025 Australian National Champion in Kata

These achievements have now provided me with the incredible opportunity to compete internationally and represent Australia at the 2026 Karate World Cup.

I am raising funds to help cover the significant costs associated with competing overseas, including flights, accommodation, competition entry fees, uniforms, training expenses, and travel costs for myself and my mum as my support person.

Representing Australia on the world stage has always been a dream of mine, but this journey is about more than sport alone. I want to show other young people living with chronic illness, disability, bullying, or personal hardship that they are still capable of achieving extraordinary things. I hope my story can inspire others to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges they face.

With the support of the Australian Sports Foundation and generous donors, I will be able to continue pursuing my goals, proudly represent Australia internationally, and continue striving toward my dream of one day becoming a World Champion.

Thank you for supporting my journey and helping make this opportunity possible.