World Muay Thai Festival Witnesses Local Youth's Triumph: Medal Haul
In the heart of historic Verona Arena, Italy, Ka'eo Athletics, a Kona-based gym, made a significant mark at the World Muay Thai Festival, hosted by the World Boxing Council Muay Thai (WBC MuayThai) in late June. The event, which spanned four days and offered a platform for cultural exchange and elite competition, saw two young athletes from Ka'eo Athletics represent the United States on the world stage.
Bri Sonson, a 13-year-old athlete, brought home a World Bronze Medal, while Kiilae Kaleohano, an 18-year-old competitor, earned the Gold Medal in his division. Taylor Frato, a 32-year-old fighter from Captain Cook, also represented Kona's adult fighters, securing a Silver Medal in his division.
Che Pilago, the head coach and owner of Ka'eo Athletics, expressed his pride in representing not just Hawaii but the USA at the festival. He stated that it was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event. Pilago also expressed his hope that the team's international success would inspire more local youth to pursue their goals in Muay Thai.
Ka'eo Athletics, known for promoting MMA as a path to discipline, empowerment, and nonviolent strength, continues to mentor the next generation of martial artists. The team's competitors emphasised that the competition was more than just a competition; it was about representing home and values.
Taylor Frato, in particular, highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it was not just about winning, but about representing Hawaii and upholding the values that the gym stands for. Bri Sonson, on the other hand, expressed feelings of joy and pride after winning her Bronze Medal.
The festival provided local competitors with an opportunity to compete for global rankings and future opportunities at regional, national, and world-level events. As Ka'eo Athletics continues to make strides in the world of Muay Thai, it is clear that the gym will continue to be a beacon of excellence and inspiration for young martial artists in Kona and beyond.
The success of Ka'eo Athletics at the World Muay Thai Festival, a prestigious event hosting cultural exchange and elite competition, highlights the importance of sports events in the martial arts community. With Bri Sonson earning a World Bronze Medal and Kiilae Kaleohano winning the Gold Medal in mixed-martial-arts divisions, Ka'eo Athletics demonstrated its commitment to empowering local youth and upholding its values on the global stage.
