Urijah fights for top spot at national championships
In his 13 months of professionally competing in boxing, GSSC student Urijah Harrington has many accolades under his belt.
From the Top End, to the Golden Gloves Championships held in Queensland, the Australian Institute of Sport Combat Centre in Canberra and closer-to-home in Melbourne, Urijah has travelled the country for his sport, competing in eight fights over the course of a year.
Earlier this month, the Year 7 student added Perth to his list, where he travelled with his family and the GV Boxing Academy to compete in the 2024 Australian Schools Boxing Championships.
The trip proved worth his while as Urijah claimed his first national championship, winning the U/15 School boy Gold Medal in the 40kg division
“It was pretty special,” Urijah’s father Zedda Harrington said.
“It’s a massive achievement for a 13-year-old and as a boxer and coach myself, I know how much goes into training and preparing for these comps.
“To see his face when he got called out as the national champ was pretty emotional – it’s such a strenuous lead up physically and mentally so to see him reach the top and be rewarded for his efforts was amazing.”
Zedda who runs the Boxing Academy is also Urijah’s coach and also made the state team as part of the coaching crew.
“Given my background, Urijah has pretty much grown up in the gym but he’s not only used that time and experience to better himself, he’s also a great role model for the younger kids,” Zedda said.
“He’s got so many great attributes that will see him go along way in the sport – his wok ethic is unbeatable and I know the future of our club is in great hands.”
Zedda said many of the skills his boxers learn as part of their training carry them in good stead beyond the ring.
“It’s not all about competing – the skills boxing provides are character building and are ones that will carry you through life.”
GSSC would like to congratulate Urijah and Kallym Huffer in Year 10 who also competed in the competition, making it all the way to semi-finals. Check out this post by Resolute Gym for more on Kallym's journey.
