Singleton fighters eye ultimate prize

Five local teenagers are spending at least 15 hours in the gym each week in preparation for the WA Muay Thai Junior Championships next month.

Brody Collins, 16, Madeline Duiker, 16, Jhett Nelson, 16, Jake Rowley, 14, and Damon Nelson, 16, will compete in the event on October 27 at John Forrest Secondary College in Perth.

The students train with champion fighter Andrew Nelson at his Lanna Prestige gym in Singleton and for some it will be their first championship event.

Damon is the current Muay Thai State junior lightweight champion and will defend his title next month.

This is the first time junior trials will be held in WA because of the sport growing significantly.

The students all attend Comet Bay College and hope to fight their way to the World Muay Thai Championships, which will be held in Sweden next year.

Mr Nelson said Muay Thai was a fantastic sport for the teenagers to be a part of as it kept them focused, busy and prevented them from wasting their time and acting up.

"The discipline is good for them, they are healthy and active and they have learned how to look after their bodies," he said.

Mr Nelson has been coaching since 2000 and has six to eight students ready to compete at any time. Muay Thai is working towards being recognised by the International Olympic Committee and since 1993 there have been 15 Muay Thai world championships with the introduction of the junior competition in 2005.