A 22-year-old Solihull College graphic arts student has competed against hopefuls from over a hundred and twenty countries to win the current prestigious Unified World Kickboxing Champion title. Hailey Hutton, who won the title earlier this month in Italy, is now planning on inspiring other young people into sport.
Hailey was encouraged to start kickboxing by her mum back in 1998 suggesting it may help improve her confidence, and she has never looked back. Hailey was selected by Team England this year to compete further in the World Championships and so far this year, Hailey has earned a prestigious 1 Dan Blackbelt, along with competing for the country in Italy.
Speaking about her win, Hailey comments: “??I am really proud to achieve what I have; it has helped with my confidence and keeping me driven with my studies. I will definitely compete again next year and hopefully help others into sport”?.
Hailey was inspired into not only the sport but into living a healthy lifestyle but her late uncle, who sadly passed away last year. It was dealing with this grief that helped motivate Hailey: “I was really close to my uncle and he was always telling me to keep up the kickboxing and to always try hard in what I do. I feel he would be proud with what I’ve achieved this year and I hope I can continue with the success”.
Due to the support she has received from the College for her competing and training, Hailey is also determined to continue her studies and she plans to progress to the HND Graphic Design in September after completing Access to Graphics.
Hailey’s tutor, Ziggy Tashi said she is a real inspiration to other young people: “She has always managed to successfully balance her study with her punishing training regime. A budding visual artist and a kickboxing warrior all rolled into one. Her classmates gave her such a warm welcome as she returned from her successful title fight in Italy. We all sang her the Queen’s “We are the Champions”. She was most embarrassed.”?
To find out more about the Graphic Design courses offered at Solihull College please follow this link or call 0121 678 7000.
