Groth grabs bronze in Canada

In Canada, the 16-year old Maruapula School student won bronze in kumite and kata. Groth together with Moses Jones represented Botswana at the tournament. Jones was knocked out in the group stages. Groth who arrived in the country on Wednesday said competition was tough although he enjoyed himself. He said it was good preparation for the World Karate Championships, which start in Spain on November 7.

Groth was participating in the competition for the third time after he won gold in his debut and two silver medals at the subsequent tournament. He said winning bronze this time does not mean that his performance is declining. "The competition is now attracting many athletes and becoming stiffer," he told Mmegi Sport. Groth lost his grandmother during the competition but he was not deterred. He said one of the lessons he picked from the competition was that continuous training is crucial.