Galway woman Karen Dolphin has been making headlines nationwide lately after she was selected as the first and only Irish representative in karate for the European Olympics in Baku this year.
The talented 32-year-old is now preparing hard for the Games this summer and we caught up with her to see how it all began.
“I’ve been doing karate now for about 26 years,” Karen, who works as a pharmacist and is part of Kiltormer club of Itosu-Kai Karate Ireland, revealed.
“I got my first gold in the Under 8 category, and I enjoyed a good few successes over the years.
“I started to compete seriously on the international circuit about seven years ago and down through the years, I have won the Irish National Championships numerous times, I won the British International Open in 2014 and silver in the same event in 2013.”
“That year, I also got bronze in the Scottish Open – bronze 2013, gold at The Celtic Cup held in France, gold in the B.I.K.O Open 2013, two bronze medals in the Itosu Kai World Championships 2013, and two golds in the Canadian Itosu Championships.
“A typical week in my life is pretty busy. I work a 40 hour week managing a busy pharmacy in Camden, London. I often get up at 6am to do a strength and conditioning session before work.
“I travel after work to go to various dojos around London to train in classes, including some with the England squad members also, which really helps my training.
“I don’t work Fridays so I do a heavy session Friday and Saturday and a lighter session and some cardio Sunday. I also cycle to and from work, so that’s 10 miles more cardio each day. Every little helps.”
“It is tiring juggling a busy and responsible job and Karate but I enjoy both. My employers are very supportive and give me all the days I need off for competitions, which is brilliant.
“Now, it’s all about preparing for Baku. The day it was announced that I was going to represent Ireland was overwhelming. As it sunk in I got excited and started to plan my training.
“Preparation has been intense since then. Every day is different. I’ve tried to timetable my training so I’m in the best shape I can be before the competition.
“I try to schedule the longer more physical sessions at the weekend and I also have a coach to go to for technical sessions each week.
“It is difficult to work and compete as I’m training six days a week, sometimes twice a day and varying my sessions – but it’s worth it.”
“Over the years, I have missed out on lots of occasions, birthdays, holidays, nights out and the biggest thing is I will miss my best friend’s hen, as it’s on the same weekend I’m in Baku. I was very upset over this as I’m maid of honour, but my friend is amazing and she understands.
“It’s been hard to miss these occasions but all the training, time and money spent, all the blood, sweat and tears – it’s all worth it when you get to represent your country and try your best to do everyone proud,” she reflected, adding that Rika Usami and Jessica Ennis are two inspirations for her.
“I’ve had some amazing experiences. Last year, for example, I quit my job to follow my dream and spent a lot of time training in Asia.”
“Over five months, I practiced yoga in India, Muay Thai kickboxing in Thailand, Kung Fu in Shaolin, China and Karate in Japan. While in Japan, I had the privilege of training with some great teachers and I will cherish that forever.”
“Now it’s about looking ahead to Baku, and those experiences will stand to me. I’m really looking forward to meeting the rest of the team and experiencing everything in the lead up to the event.
“My parents are amazing and the reason why I started karate in the first place. I’m so proud to have my mum as my coach, so she has to travel with me to Baku. Dad is coming to support us also, as well as my supportive and long-suffering husband, Kieran.”
“I remember when I was about 10, my mother told me that one day Karate would make it to the Olympics and that when it did, I would be there.
“Until two months ago, I thought she had it wrong. Now here we are though, for the first time Karate is an Olympic event and I can’t believe I WILL be there. That goes to show, you should always trust your mother!” she laughed.
“My advice for others? Grit and determination gets you where you want to go in life. So roll on Baku!”
