By Michael Ely
DANDENONG-trained karate star Stephanie Harris is aiming for the bright lights of Paris.
The 24 year old, who trains at AM Shukokai Karate in Dandenong, enhanced her chances of competing in karate world championships this November in Paris by a finishing a credible third in the Premier 1 League competition at the Indonesian Open in Jakarta in late June.
Harris initially drew with – and then ultimately lost to – the “bigger and more experienced” eventual champion, Tiffany Fanjat of France.
But Harris was buoyed by matching it with one of the world’s best fighters in the 61-68 kilogram division.
” It was really cool to fight [Fanjat] and and it’s cool to know I came close to matching her,”
Harris said.
Choosing to employ an initial defensive strategy, before a late blitzkrieg, Harris eventually fell victim to karate’s unique scoring system that sees a known competitor awarded the fight in case of a draw.
“Me and my coach decided to hold back and then attack late and it was working, but we knew I was going to lose when it was a tie.”
Yet she managed to beat out a bigger German opponent in the bout which decided the bronze medal. Harris, who lives in Box Hill, credits her success to her coach James Davis, and her mentor Wayne Lindsey, a former national heavyweight champion.
She said she had much to do before Australian selectors named their fighters for Paris but she wanted to experience more international competition. “I learn something new every time I compete overseas,” she said. “I love the challenge and vibe that international competition gives me. It keeps me coming back for more.”
