Krista Dyer Wins Silver Medal At World Wushu
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Krista Dyer said she feels elated after claiming the silver medal in sanda at the World Wushu Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, yesterday [November 20].
Dyer, competing in the women’s 65kg division, defeated Nicole Lowe-Tarbert, of Australia, 2-0, having lost her opening contest 2-0 to Ana-Maria Pal, of Romania.
It is the first time Dyer has medalled at the championships.
“I have to say this is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time!” Dyer told Bernews. “I was delighted to get the win over [Lowe-Tarbert]. She was a difficult opponent.
“In my first fight, I wasn’t outclassed by [Pal]. She just cracked puzzles quicker than I could. She was great at distance control and piecing together combos.”
The 35-year-old entered the championships in fine form after winning gold in sanda in the elite division at the Fourth Pan American Kungfu Championships in Markham, Ontario, last summer.
“I can’t wait for the next World Wushu Championships, whether as an athlete or coach,” added Dyer, who was competing at her third championships. “I’m so happy to represent my team and country well.”
Iran, one of the strongest nations in wushu, did not compete in the United States because of visa issues.
“Iran was unable to participate, and that provided an opportunity for some of the other countries to rise to the podium,” said Dyer, who represents the Bermuda Sanshou Association [BSA]. “There was a bit of a shake-up, and it was fun to see.”
Garon Wilkinson, the BSA president, added: “I’m so happy for Krista because she has pushed so hard for this and was able to execute a game plan perfectly against Australia.”
Meanwhile, Kaelin Cox, competing in contemporary wushu taolu, finished 29th in the southern openhand form. He scored 8.863.
“It was an eye-opening experience,” said Cox, competing in taolu for the first time at the championships. “I felt confident in my form.
“My coaches are happy with me. It was one of my toughest competitions and a wonderful experience.”
Congratulations Krista I hear your happiness
Congratulations on your achievement!
Amazing accomplishment, Bermuda on the world stage and Dyer making the headlines!