USA Karate Women’s Team Makes History at the Karate World Cup

PAMPLONA, Spain (Nov. 26, 2024) – USA Karate is thrilled to announce a historic milestone as the Women’s Team captured a silver medal at the Karate World Cup, becoming the first U.S. team to reach the kumite finals in this prestigious competition.

Elisa Au, USA Karate Board President, shared her pride in the team’s groundbreaking achievements: “Our women have accomplished something bigger than themselves at this Karate World Cup. They made it through an incredibly difficult competition pool to arrive at the finals for the first time in USA history. Not only did they bring home the silver medal for USA Karate, but they have inspired the next generation of girls and boys in karate, proving to us all that nothing is impossible.”

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The inaugural Karate World Cup, hosted by the World Karate Federation, introduced a new team competition format across four categories: Male Kata, Female Kata, Male Kumite, and Female Kumite. The event featured 20 teams in each category, representing 43 nations, including both the USA’s male and female kumite teams.

Facing fierce competition, the USA Women’s Team battled through a challenging pool, defeating Vietnam, Croatia, and Greece, and advancing despite a hard-fought match against Egypt. In the quarterfinals, they delivered a commanding victory over the experienced French team. The semifinals saw an intense showdown with reigning European Champions Italy, where dramatic performances by Skylar Lingl (IL) and Trinity Allen (NV) secured Team USA’s place in the finals.

In the championship match, Team USA faced powerhouse Japan, a dominant force in international karate. Despite a valiant effort, they fell just short of gold, bringing home a historic silver medal. Japan concluded the event with three golds and one bronze, while the USA tied for third place overall in the medal tally.

This silver medal win is a monumental moment for USA Karate, showcasing the rising strength, resilience, and determination of American athletes on the global stage. It highlights the rapid growth of the sport in the United States and cements the USA’s position as a rising force in international karate. The achievement also ensures Team USA’s qualification for the 2026 Karate World Cup in Hangzhou, China.

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Team USA’s Female Kumite roster included Skylar Lingl (IL), Cirrus Lingl (IL), Trinity Allen (NV), Jenna Brown (TX), and Kelara Madani (CO). The team was guided by Head Coach B. Maile Chinen (HI) and Assistant Coach Kamran Madani (CO).

For more information about USA Karate and ways to support our athletes, visit www.usankf.org.

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About USA Karate
USA Karate is the National Governing Body for the sport of karate in the United States, recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Dedicated to fostering the growth and success of karate athletes, coaches, and referees, USA Karate strives to elevate the sport at every level.

USA Karate

USA Karate