The entire Woodend Golf Club community has thrown its weight behind the karate exploits of young exponent Allanah Collett.
Allanah is affectionately referred to as the ‘Karate Kid’ by Woodend golfers, and her exploits in the Australian/New Zealand National Championships on the weekend of 22-23 November were incredible.
Particularly considering the 13-year-old only began her interest in karate just over 12 months ago.
“Thanks for celebrating with me, it means a lot,” was Allanah’s message to Woodend golfers after her big weekend.
Now she has her eyes firmly fixed on competing in the world titles.
She is the daughter of Matt Collett, a keen golfer at Woodend for some years.
Matt is often being asked about his daughter’s progress up the karate ladder when he’s out competing on the course.
Allanah bought home a gold medal in kumite, a silver in kata, and a gold in the teams’ event.
She was opposed by 18 other competitors in her belt and age division.
Regular training at the Bushido karate centre in Wallan has certainly paid dividends.
Allanah has tackled an extensive syllabus, from basic techniques through to highly advanced, incorporating both hands and feet.
Back in September Allanah reached red belt status (one level below black) with a fine performance at the Victorian championships.
She captured two individual gold medals, a team gold and a bronze.
“Woodend Golf Club is proud to not just support its junior golfers, but all junior athletes chasing success in their sports,” a club spokesperson said.
Quite a number of up and coming teenage golfers have been making their mark at Woodend over the past months, after initially beginning their interest by “having a hit” on the course.
