Phillips takes on the world
Brakpan resident and Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies (XKT) kickboxer Ryan Phillips (20) will represent South Africa at the Sportaccord World Combat Games (IOC).
The games, which attract 1 300 athletes in 15 different combat sports, will take place in St Petersburg, Russia, from Friday, October 18, to Saturday, October 26.
Phillips formed part of the South African senior national kickboxing team who excelled at the WAKO-affiliated All Africa Championships qualifier for the World Combat Games, in Madagascar, last year, and is one of four South Africans who will be flying the national flag at the games.
Phillips will compete in the Men’s Point Fighting u-63kg class and is aiming to make his mark on the world scene.
“This is one of the biggest events of my entire life and I am really excited,” he said.
“I have always wanted to take part in the Olympics, and to be able to compete in a similar international event is a great opportunity for me.”
Phillips said he does not allow the pressure of competing in a big event to get to his head.
“Maybe, when I get there, it will be one of those gut shots that will spur me on,” he added.
The XKT kickboxer thanked his mentor, trainer and father, Raymond, for helping him to get to where he is now, as well as his other instructor, Jacques Bosch.
The young fighter is under no illusions that the competition is going to be easy and said that all the athletes in his weight division will be a test.
“They all have the skill to put up a fight, so I am not going to underestimate or overestimate anyone,” he said.
Phillips, who has been a South African champion in the sport since 2004, is determined to bring home gold and knows that he will have to give his all to achieve success at the games.
“I have been blessed with a skill and an ability to be successful in my sport,” he said.
“Every second counts, so I am hoping that my hard work and training will pay off.”
