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
Miami Gardens, FL
Quick Facts
- I started karate when I was 10 years old
- This is my second time making the Junior US Team! Reno 2019 in the 16-17 -68kg and Chicago 2019 in the 18-20 -67kg
- I don't have one real hero. It would be my whole family. They always make sacrifices for me to be able to train as much as I can. I owe everything to them for making all this possible for me.
- My biggest win was this year at the 2019 national finals for 18-20 -67kg because it gave me the pass to my first world championships and because I did it while being 17!
- I love the thrill and the adrenaline from competition.
- I get my inspiration from my brother. He is one of the reasons why I started doing karate. I have always wanted to be like him.
- "Don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong" - Ronaldinho
Career Highlights
- World Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships, Santiago, 2019 (-67kg Kumite (U21) - Men)
