South Huntington student wins bronze in karate at Junior Pan American Games
Kaiet Coraizaca, an eighth-grader at Henry L. Stimson Middle School in Huntington Station, won a bronze medal this summer at the Junior Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. Credit: Catalina Criollo
A South Huntington student with a passion for karate has won a bronze medal in his division at this year’s Junior Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Kaiet Coraizaca, a first-degree black belt and eighth-grader at Henry L. Stimson Middle School in Huntington Station, was one of about 90 athletes this summer representing Team USA at the games in Brazil. He placed third in the 12- to 13-year-old Male Elite Kumite Division (less than 50 kg), the school said.
To be eligible for the games, Coraizaca took first place earlier this year in the same division at the USA National Karate Championships & Team Trials in Nevada.
“It was a very great experience representing the U.S.,” said Coraizaca, 13, who said he started pursuing karate at the age of 7. “The team was very strong, and I’m glad I got a medal.”
Coraizaca’s other karate achievements include placing third in the 12- to 13-year-old Elite Kata Division at the Karate1 Youth League competition in Bulgaria. He trains at Kai Leung’s Shotojuku in Queens.
“I get my inspiration from other athletes that work so hard, and I see myself as being one of them,” Coraizaca said. “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”
Coraizaca also plays violin, speaks French and is a member of his school’s track and cross-country teams and National Junior Honor Society.
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
Bruce Blakeman sworn-in as county executive Republican Bruce Blakeman is taking the oath of office, a formal start to his second term as Nassau county executive.
Bruce Blakeman sworn-in as county executive Republican Bruce Blakeman is taking the oath of office, a formal start to his second term as Nassau county executive.
