KNUTSFORD’S little belter Alana Fagan has returned home from a world championships with two medals.

The nine-year-old kickboxer, a pupil at Lower Peover C of E Primary School, won a team silver and individual bronze while representing England with Widnes-based Senshi Academy in the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission World Championships in Portugal.

To do so, Alana overcome an early setback in the competition, showing her strength of character in a fiercely competitive field.

Her parents, Samantha and Michael, say they are very proud of their daughter’s achievements and how she is inspiring her younger sister, Carys.

“Alana entered categories that she qualified for, which was the age 10 and under -30kg points and continuous sections,” said Samantha.

“Alana’s first category was on the Tuesday for points where she lost in the first round to the eventual winner from Canada. She was disappointed and really down.

“Wednesday’s section was the continuous category, in which Alana was up against another tough Canadian but came out strong and was victorious.

“She eventually got beat in the semi-final to a fellow English fighter, placing third and earning a bronze medal.

“With Wednesday’s performances, Alana was picked for the teams category on Thursday which consisted of three fighters going up against other nations in the point sections.

“Thursday morning Alana was on fire, winning all of her fights against Team USA, Team Canada and then eventually in the final beating her opponent who had beaten her the previous day, which she was so happy about.

“The team settled for a second place silver medal, which we are extremely proud of.

“Alana was the smallest and youngest on the team and she did us all proud.

“None of this would have been possible without the words of advice and support of her coaches Lorraine and Ben.

“After the defeat on Tuesday she didn’t want to get back on the mat.

“After talking with her coaches and her Senshi teammates she completely turned her tournament around and we are so grateful as parents for everything they have done for Alana.

“She will be back to training on Thursday in preparation for next year’s World Championships where she is determined to go one better and bring home gold.

“Also after watching Alana and the rest of the England team it has made her younger sister Carys determined to make the fight team next year and compete alongside her big sister.”