My name is Connor Miller, I am an 19-year-old from the Southern Highlands. In 2022 I placed first at the Australian National Selections, for the Australian Medieval Combat Federation (AMCF), in the feather weight (Under 75kg) category in Full Contact, Steel Weapon, Medieval Fighting, Specifically Pro Fight. This is an individual ‘duel’ competition. In the sport, the most brutal of the duel categories and possibly the entire sport. 

The World Championships for this extreme sport will be held at Libusen in the Czech Republic at the end of April 2023. As national champion, I have the right to compete as the Australian representative in my weight class. An opportunity I have been waiting for, for many years. While in 2023, due to the conflict in Ukraine, the Pro Fight category may not run I will also be competing in the 12v12 and 30v30 competitions. As the sport in Australia in amateur, I have to pay my own way. Due to the nature of the sport, competitors must be 18 and over. As such as an 18-year-old, only finishing year 12 in 2022 and still growing, purchasing my own armour is very expensive especially for a first year apprentice. As is the cost of travelling interstate and getting to Europe to compete. At the national selections I actually competed in a teammates armour, which I will not be able to do at the world championships. My new armour will cost approximately $6000 AUD and the trip to Europe will cost me at least another $6000.

I am seeking any assistance to help me get to the world Cup in April 2023 to represent Australia in my sport. Having my own armour will also enable me to compete during the 2023 Australian season and prepare for the 2024 world championships and potentially a tour of the United States.