A SALTCOATS karate star says she is "so proud" of her recent World Championship performances - after securing two medal finishes.

Aria Pascual was in Tokyo at the end of last month to compete in the JKS World Championships for Shotokan karate.

The 23-year-old headed into the competition as reigning world champion in her class - though was tempering her expectations having undergone major surgery at the beginning of 2023.

Aria injured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial meniscus in her knee in the months prior and only returned to competitive action at the beginning of this year.

However, after battling back to her brilliant best, the former Ardrossan Academy pupil performed admirably in her prior contests - her first as a senior athlete.

And Aria continued this fine form at the World Championships as she secured a pair of medals representing JKS Scotland.

She earned a silver medal in the female senior kata category, and added a bronze in the senior female kumite.

Aria also added two fourth place finishes in the mixed koten kata and team kata competitions.

"This competition was very important to me," Aria commented.

"I competed in Japan 10 years ago at the JKA world championships when I was 13 years old and won a bronze - so returning as part of a new federation in my senior career, I really wanted to do well and prove myself.

"To win a medal in Japan is very challenging because you are up against the worlds best in the birthplace of karate.

"I was very nervous but excited for the opportunity to represent Scotland again!"

While Aria was more than pleased with how the competition turned out.

She added: "I was so proud of my performance, it’s my first international competition competing in kumite since my injury.

"I trained hard both in the gym and in the dojo to prepare for this competition. In addition to this I had to focus on my mindset too and make sure I was focused and confident in my own abilities before walking on the mat.

"It’s hard coming back from an injury, before this competition I wasn’t sure if I could be where I needed to be truly excel.

"Reaching four finals and medalling in two is a fantastic feeling, it really is difficult for people to understand how much this means to me as a karate athlete."

(Image: Submitted)

And Aria says it was great to get back competing further afield, and being part of a fantastic Scottish team.

She continued: "I was with an incredible team that made the trip amazing. I am lucky to be in a really supportive team so travelling to events on the other side of the world is easy with them.

"I enjoy the Japanese culture, so I find it enjoyable and fun to explore new and different countries and cultures.

"A huge thank you goes to my parents, who I couldn’t do what I do without them, as well as extended family and friends who now feel like family as they want to see me succeed.

"A special thanks to Breen Roofing for their continued support for me."

Now Aria is hoping to keep the momentum going as the competitions keep coming.

She said: "I am hoping to continue the success in my upcoming competitions.

"I am competing in the British championships the end of this month and travelling to Austria for a prestigious international event in September and another international event in October.

"I work hard and I appreciate all the support I receive. I am a self funded athlete which can be extremely stressful at this level of competition.

"I am so proud to come from a little town in Ayrshire and to represent Scotland on the international stage.

"I would like to thank everyone who supports me and my crazy fundraising ideas. Without the support of others none of this would be possible."

If a local business/businesses would like to support Aria on her journey they are asked to contact her via ariapascual2012@gmail.com.