Sierra Vergette is no stranger to the podium. The 16-year-old St. Michael Catholic High School student has medalled at the World Karate Commission Championships five times.
Vergette, a second degree black belt, competed at the Pan American Karate Championships in Mexico earlier this month. She won five medals – two golds, two silvers and a bronze – in traditional kata, classic kata, team fighting and sparring.
Vergette is a student of Sensei Earl Horvath, owner of Douvris Martial Arts in Kemptville. She got into karate at the age of nine and started competing in 2015. Vergette says the Douvris dojo is like one big family and competing increased her love of the sport. She has travelled to Ireland, Florida and now Acapulco to compete. Vergette explained she loves kata and sparring and the whole experience of competing is amazing.
This was Vergette’s first time at the Pan Am Championships. She is now getting ready for the provincial qualifiers in April. Vergette hopes to compete at the Worlds this year and the 2021 Pan Am Championships.