Originally Published 22 October 2003

University of Warwick Graduate Medical student Zoe Campbell, aged 25, won the 2003 World Karate Championship, the karate equivalent to winning the Olympics, at the recent competition held mid-October at Zurich, Switzerland.

In a sparring event the feisty student kicked and punched her way to first place, beating 64 other female competitors in the age 21 and above section over two days. Competitors from 25 countries including America, Canada and Mexico took part on the challenge, but the Warwick student was the most skilled in the popular Japanese martial art.

Zoe Campbell, who has trained in karate since the age of eight now works out at the University of Warwick Sports Centre twice a day, seven days a week, and teaches karate there one evening a week.

Zoe Campbell, who is in her final year at the University of Warwick Medical School said: “Taking karate teaches you balance, power and flexibility. It was always my ambition to win the World Championship, I was third last time around, so I’m now thrilled to be the overall winner. As the sport is not yet represented in the Olympics, I have reached the highest point possible in competitive karate.”

“It is, however, difficult to juggle my studies and training, and fit into my days the normal things that students do, but staff at the university, particularly the Sports Centre, have been very supportive.”

This was not the only success for the martial arts ace at the World Championships, as Zoe was also a member of the winning Ladies Team, which represented the UK.

With success on the world-stage now under her belt, Zoe plans to stick with her karate physical fitness regime and will compete in the European Championships later on this year.

For more information please contact: Zoe Campbell, Mobile: 07881 524 836 or Jenny Murray, Communications Office, University of Warwick, Tel: 02476 574 255, Mobile: 07876 217740, Email: jennifer.murray@warwick.ac.uk