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When Anneli Richards from Fochriw started coming home from primary school in tears, her mother, Jayne, knew she had to do something. She thought that taking up a hobby might help her.

Gymnastics didn’t work and dance wasn’t the right fit, so they tried karate. It was something different but also a good way to help give Anneli, who was struggling in Year 1, a bit more self-confidence.

It worked. “From the first time she stepped up to start learning she absolutely loved it,” said Jayne Davies, Anneli’s mother. 

Now, four years on, Anneli comes home from school happy. She can’t wait to tell everyone about her latest competition or win, and there are lots of those – she has 24 medals and counting. 

In fact, she’s recently had the opportunity to go to Fochriw Primary School and tell her teachers and classmates that she’s about to represent Wales for the first time. 

That’s because nine-year-old Anneli is part of the Welsh squad going to the first-ever World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) Official British Open Karate Championships in Crawley on February 11. 

“She’s telling everyone,” said Jayne, “she thinks it’s a big thing.”

Jayne feels the same way. “I cried when they shared the squad selection,” she said, “I’m so proud.”

Jayne has seen her daughter compete many times before, in front of as many as 1,000 spectators, but this time there will be competitors from all over the world including France, Kazakhstan, Ireland, England, Spain and Scotland, according to Jayne. 

This is making Anneli a little nervous, Jayne said: “This is a massive one for her,” adding that some children competing will be more experienced – with black and brown belts.

Anneli trains at Zentai Karate Club in Merthyr. Her karate instructor, Kay Powell, told Caerphilly Observer that Anneli’s squad selection was great news. 

Kay said: “It’s an achievement for Anneli and for us as a karate club,” which has been running for 39 years. 

Kay has been doing some last-minute one-to-one sessions with Anneli and thinks she’s in with a good chance of medalling. 

“I think she’ll do very well,” she said, but she’s still given Anneli some words of encouragement, “I said: ‘You’re good enough. You’ve got to go for it.’”

With or without a medal, Kay and Jayne both hope that Anneli enjoys the experience. Kay said: “The medal is for her not for us.”

After all, getting chosen in the first place is worth celebrating. “It’s a massive thing to even be selected,” added Jayne.

Anneli will be the last one to compete in her under-10s category, but Jayne and Anneli’s grandmother – her biggest fan – will be there to watch and support her, whatever happens. 

“It’s just crazy,” said Jayne, “I’m proud whether she wins, whether she loses.”

The first WUKF Official British Open Karate Championships will take place at the K2 Arena in Crawley, London on Saturday, February 11.