Trysten Deveau is no stranger to competing in the karate ring.
The second-degree black belt in karate has practiced for almost 13 years at Bushino Ki Karate, a Church Point karate club.
Last year, she got injured and wasn’t able to perform her best.
“After an injury or a loss, you start to doubt yourself.”
The 20 year old University of Saint Anne’s student pushed herself to overcome her injury.
She trained at least 15 hours a week, on top of volunteering at her local karate club and balancing a fulltime university schedule.
Throughout it all, she kept one motto in mind.
“Come back stronger than the setback.”
That’s exactly what she did at the National Karate Championship in Halifax from March 9-11.
Deveau won three gold medals and won all eight matches she competed in.
“All your hard work pays off eventually,” she said.
487 Canadian athletes competed at the karate championships, including seven from the Church Point karate club.
At seven years old when she started the sport, she never imagined getting to where she is today.
“If you work hard and dedicate yourself to whatever your dreams are, you can accomplish anything.”
Deveau has travelled around the world to places like Mexico, Columbia, Argentina and Spain competing in karate competitions and she’s competed in two world championships.
This June, she will travel to Chile for another competition.
She enjoys karate because she’s always learning and practicing something new, she said.
“Every year it gets harder because you have to train even harder if you want to stay on top.”
The young athlete is nominated for an award from Support for Sport.
Support for Sport recognizes the outstanding achievements from athletes, coaches and organizers in the province.
Deveau would like to thank the support of her community for supporting her fundraisers, and coaches for helping her get this far.
Deveau’s dojo sensei, Anna Bartlett helped train her since she the beginning.
Her provincial team coach, Mitchell German, has help grow her skills for the last four years.
Deveau passes on her skills to others
Five of the seven participants from the Church Point karate club were mentored by Deveau.
Including Denise Thibault.
“She showed me almost everything I know,” Thibault said.
Thibault is a 12 year old who has been practicing karate for the last six and a half years.
At the Halifax National Championship, she won bronze in her division.
“I was really excited to be there.”
Thibault competed in Japan last year, but this was her second big competition.
“I was a bit nervous but more excited because it’s different than the smaller competitions I do.”
Thibault practices four days a week, between the Church Point club and the small dojo she has in her garage.
She plans to keep practicing and competing in future tournaments.
“I really love it.”
