SUPER Thai boxer Ellie Pardy is making an international name for herself in the sport – at the tender age of 11.
The St Bede’s middle school pupil is currently ranked No 1 in her age group in the UK and is a three times British champion, her latest victory coming at a tournament held earlier this month at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
The Greenlands resident, who trains out of the Thaitans Gym in Beoley Road, only started the sport because she lacked in confidence and now five years later she’s just returned from an international coaching event in Amsterdam.
Proud parents Emma and Robert Clarke put her achievements down to her dedication and determination to succeed.
“Her commitment is incredible,” said Emma, “she trains six times a week and does her exercises twice a day.”
The family travel the country supporting Ellie’s sporting ambitions and her success has already won her sponsorship from Class Catering and Pardeys Dairies.
“We’re very proud of her – we just didn’t expect this at all when she first started,” said Robert.
And it’s not Thai boxing that Ellie excels at as she also loves playing rugby, netbll, football and doing athletics.
“Her coaches at Thaitans, Keev Doorman and Sophie Hutchins have been fantastic,” said Emma.
