The Phoenix Wushu Nationals always seem to bring the very best out of Bermuda Sanshou Association athletes and the event last weekend in Arizona proved to be no exception.

The association was represented by a nine-member team that came away with an impressive ten medals, including seven gold, to eclipse the eight earned at last year’s event.

Kaelin Cox led the way with two gold medals and a silver in taolu on the opening day of the championships on Saturday.

Errin Cann also earned two gold medals in taolu, while team-mate Geraldine Sidders claimed silver in the same discipline.

Garon Wilkinson, the team coach and Bermuda Sanshou Association president, hailed the trio’s performances.

“I was very pleased with the taolu portion of the competition for our team,” he told The Royal Gazette. “We had some really solid performances and I think they definitely met expectations.

“Kaelin participated in five events all together, three of those events sanctioned by the International Wushu Federation with certified judges. Of the three events he participated under International Wushu Federation rules he managed a bronze medal in nanquan, which is his open hand southern fist.

“In the traditional events, which is our bread and butter, he managed first place in other southern form and also animal styles, which his speciality is monkey. He received probably one of the hugest ovations of the competition and from where I stand probably one of the best displays of his monkey fist that I’ve seen, so well done for Kaelin.

“Errin Cann made a very strong start to her Wushu season receiving two first places in open hand and straight sword. She was actually competing against her team-mate Geraldine Sidders, who ended finishing second in long fist.

“I am really pleased with these two young ladies, Geraldine especially being her first time. She executed extremely well and got her through her routine.”

The local team also made their presence felt in the sanda competition on the second and final day of the championships, with Krista Dyer, Sidders and Muryah Swan all securing gold medals and Jacob Goodwin silver on his international debut.

“It was a really dominant performance by Krista,” Wilkinson said. “She finished the first round with two push offs, scoring seamlessly. Then in the second round she was able to score what looked like a one-point takedown and landed really hard on top of her opponent, which initiated an eight count and the referee stopped the match.

“It was also a really great first effort by Jacob Goodwin, the newest athlete added to our team. He did really well and we are looking forward to him being introduced to the national team to regional competition and hopefully world events going forward.

“Geraldine Sidders put on a really good display of sanda. She really delivered a clinical display to end with a 2-0 win.

“Muryah Swan fought a very skilled fighter but has been working really hard. She’s picked up some good wins against adult athletes and I think her confidence really played a part. Muryah really dominated to take the win 2-0, so really, really proud of her performance.

“It was a strong performance by the Bermuda Sanshou Association team and really good efforts all around.”