A PARTIALLY-sighted athlete who has been triumphing over adversity to become a three-time English karate champion is now up for of a Proud of Barnsley award.

Shoantelle Hudson, who goes by Shoany, has spent years competing at the very highest level of para karate, which has led to her joining in the Commonwealth Games and is now in with a good chance of being selected for the World Karate Championships in Hungary later this year.

She is currently a 3rd Dan (rank) black belt, and has to perform her karate blindfolded so that all the athletes competing are at the same level.

John Tumman, her tutor, nominated her the for the triumph over adversity category, saying: “She is an inspiration to the para and able bodied members of the Barnsley karate centre.

“Once a month she trains in Birmingham with the England para squad and often travels by herself by public transport – sometimes leaving the house at 6 am and getting back home at 8pm.

“She’s also very proud of her Barnsley roots – the other England para squad members love her accent.

“Over the 20 years she has been training she has supported and championed for others to follow in her footsteps.

“She is such an inspirational lady, so positive and such a fighter in karate and life.”

Shoany said: “It’s a bit weird really – I can’t take it in.

“It’s all down to my instructor – without his constant support I wouldn’t have got half the titles that I have.”

Yet she doesn’t see this nomination as just an award for herself, but also a chance to support other disabled people to pursue their passions.

“I’ve had so many battles with people who tell me ‘you can’t do that’ or ‘it is too much of a challenge’.

“If you’ve got a dream, whether it’s a sport or hobby or whatever, you should follow it.

“Sometimes you may fail, but at least you know you tried and it can eventually lead to great things.”

John is currently fundraising in a bit to help Shoany complete in the World Karate Championships in Budapest.

More than £450 has been raised, with a £1,000 target set.

You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-tumman-1?utm_id=107&fbclid=IwAR3vQw7ED7ol93wBoDbMbZ9hrr7HcLg0DrqgIylTLlUMttK0SU35FBGJszo