Tae Kwon-Do siblings set new targets

Jun 12 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

PAMELA and Paul Rankin have battled their way to the top in Scottish tae kwon-do, but soon hope to make waves of a different kind.

Former Calderside Academy pupil Pamela (16), hopes to resit her test to join the Royal Navy this summer, while brother Paul (15), has shown an interest in the Royal Navy Marines when he leaves the Blantyre school.

In the meantime, Pamela has this year picked up first prizes at the World and European Championships, as well as the English and Welsh Championships.

Paul has finished in the top three in all of those events, mostly in second place, but previously finished top of almost every competition he entered.

Mum Allison finds it funny how the tables have turned, but is just proud of how well her karate kids have done since taking up the sport in 2001.

She said: “It’s fantastic how well they’ve done; they’ve both worked really hard to get there and are so dedicated.

“It’s amazing what they’ve done, especially considering that they give up their spare time to do it.

“At first it was just for keep-fit and a bit of fun, but they’re really into it and enjoy it.

“They started at the Tom Wailes School of Tae Kwon-Do in 2001 and immediately took to it like ducks to water – they were so natural and just loved it.”

The TAGB World Championships in Birmingham saw Pamela finish first in the girls’ ITF sparring at blue belt middleweight, while Paul was third in the boys’ ITF sparring at blue belt middleweight.

And Allison said: “Even just getting there is an amazing achievement so it’s excellent that they did so well.

“It’s funny though, because years ago Paul was first and Pamela was second in a lot of the competitions, so the tables have turned.

“They both find it funny, but they usually finish first, second or third in all of the competitions; there are very few times when they come away with nothing.”

Pamela and Paul are next up in action at the Scottish Championships in East Kilbride in September.

Allison and husband Andy are looking for people or businesses to sponsor Pamela and Paul in their quest for further honours. Anybody who would like to help can contact Allison on 07963 126166 or 01698 820691.