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Channel: Michele Jarvie – Calgary Herald
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Karate competitor inspiring teammates at worlds

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A Calgary karate competitor has claimed a silver medal at the world championships held in Austria Saturday.

But even though she fell just short of the gold, Natalie Olson has won the admiration of her club back home. 

Olson, 28, is a first-degree black belt, and was competing in her second world championships in the para-karate (intellectual disability) category.

She was the first person with Down’s syndrome in Canada to achieve the rank of black belt in Wado Kai karate. 

“She put up the best performance she’s had all week, and it was the best she’s done ever internationally,” said Jasen Pratt, a youth instructor at South Calgary Wado Kai Karate Club, where Olson trains.

Pratt spoke earlier with Olson’s instructor Heather Fidyk, who accompanied her black belt student to Austria for the competition.

“Heather was really encouraged by the performance Natalie had,” he said.

“It’s really exciting for us to see Natalie come up through the ranks and to compete internationally — she’s improved so much over last couple of years.”

Olson started in karate in 1996, earning her way up to the shodan (first black belt) rank in 2014. That same year she travelled to Germany for the world championships, which — for the first time — featured athletes with a disability. She finished eighth. 

“From what Heather says, that was the moment that put fire in her belly. She’s been working so hard since,” added Pratt. 

“For a lot of people working around her, to watch her grow and improve is so inspiring.

“It’s absolutely amazing what she’s been able to do. It’s just a lot of hard work and putting in the time.” 

Olson was one of 1,238 athletes from 118 countries who competed at the event in Linz, Austria. There were 18 Canadian competitors in the competition.


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