With Karate’s Olympic Future Uncertain, Sakura Kokumai Eyes Strong Showing At Pan Am Games
Kokumai, a 2020 Olympian, will go from the world championships in Hungary right to Chile for the Pan Am Games.
Athlete Bio#
Hometown
Fullerton, CA
Personal
I started karate when I was 8 years old. ...This will be my third time making the Junior National Team. All for female elite team kata....One of my heroes in real life is Jasmine Nguyen, my Sempai. Despite any injuries, losses, or setbacks, her ability to persevere inspires me. She is one of the strongest people I know and I hope to learn to handle situations and just handle life in general like she does....Although it might not seem like much of an accomplishment to some, this year I places 5th in individual kata. That is the closest I’ve been to placing since I started competing in Elite and I am very happy with those results....I love the feeling of giving it all you’ve got on the tatami and hearing your teammates cheering for you. I also love the before competition pep talks from my Sensei and Senpai....I get my inspiration from my friends and family who support me unconditionally. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for them. They inspire me to be a better friend, teammate, and an overall better person...."You get out what you put in"Career Highlights
- World Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships, Tenerife, 2017 (Team Kata - Women)
