My name is Olivia Cunningham and I have qualified this year to represent Australia in Poland at the WKF Junior World Championships for Kumite Female Cadets +61kg. I will be competing against the World's best athletes pushing myself in the largest division I have ever competed in.

My karate journey started as a 6 year old at Shindo Karate Association where I quickly found a place where I belonged. I could wear my glasses, and my Sempai would help me despite my bad hearing. When I was 14 years old I earned the rank of Shodan (1rst dan black belt).

I was not always ranked number 1 in Australia. At the age of 11 I was denied the opportunity to trial for the State Team. Where other kids my age would quit, I doubled down, worked harder, and was selected the next year. While in the under 14 division I slowly improved, gradually catching up to my opponent's skill and speed. It wasn't until Cadets (14-15 years old) that things seemed to click.

I still wear glasses, but now when I compete I wear contacts. My hearing is still bad, during normal activities I wear hearing aids, but I've learned to communicate with my coach before matches, setting match based goals and plans. The opportunity to wear the Green and Gold at a World Championships has been my goal for the past 2 years.

As with any sport there are financial challenges. I am hoping to raise money to cover accommodation expenses, tour levy and entry fees, training camp costs, Gi’s and protective equipment aswell as travel expenses. All money raised will go towards these.

I'd personally like to thank each and every person who donates towards this campaign. Know that I will be walking on to the tatami with pride and determination, representing Australia, my club, my family, myself, and every person donating to the best of my ability. This is the begining, of what will hopefully be a long career of representing Australia.

Thank you again