Krista Dyer is bracing herself for the “toughest battles” of her career at the Sanda World Cup in Jiangyin, China.

The 37-year-old is making her debut in the prestigious championships, where she will put her skills to the test competing in the women’s 65kg division among the world’s elite.

“I am expecting my toughest battles yet; however, I am excited to give it my all out there on the leitai [elevated fighting arena],” Dyer told The Royal Gazette.

“Everyone wants to do a great job. I have fought some of the girls before, and I want to display how I've improved over the past year and win convincingly.

“I have been working very hard over the past year and a half, and am looking forward to executing my game plan based off the work I’ve been putting in.

“This will be my first time competing at the Sanda World Cup and I am beyond excited to be representing Bermuda and Bermuda Sanshou Association at this prestigious event.”

Dyer is only the third Bermudian to compete at the Sanda World Cup behind cousins Jermal and Sentwali Woolridge, who came away with medals at the 2014 event held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jermal, the elder of the two relatives, won the bronze in the 90kg-plus weight class and Sentwali silver in the 70kg division.

The pair were guaranteed a medal because there were only three competitors in their respective divisions.

Dyer qualified for the Sanda World Cup by earning the silver medal at the 2023 World Wushu Championships in Texas.

She is only the second local to earn a medal at the World Wushu Championships behind Jermal Woolridge, who achieved the island’s first in securing the bronze medal in the men’s +90kg division in Ankara, Turkey, in 2013.

“I am proud to have achieved this level of success. There are some powerhouse countries that compete in Wushu/Sanda,” Dyer said.

“Bermuda is steadily making inroads to solidify our reputation as strong and respected in the Wushu/Sanda community.”

A ten-year veteran in the sport, Dyer received a huge confidence boost after winning her division competing at the Phoenix Wushu Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona, last month.

The two-times Pan American women’s 65kg champion has gone the extra mile to ensure she arrives in China in the best possible shape.

“I train with Bermuda Sanshou team multiple times a week and apart from that I spend a lot of time training my strength and conditioning,” she explained.

“I travelled twice for training camps abroad to heighten my skill in Texas and Pennsylvania, and also we've had competitions such as the Pan Americans to keep us sharp.”

Dyer will be accompanied in China by BSA president and coach Garon Wilkinson and manager/coach Nolette Webb.

Wilkinson believes a podium finish is within Dyer’s grasp.

“Krista is in the best shape of her life and is in a really good position to do well,” he said. “We've done everything and closed what I consider a lot of holes in her game.

"My expectation is just for her to do her best and we'll go from there. But I don't think that there's any position on the podium that's beyond her reach, so we are really looking forward to it.“

The Sanda World Cup will be held at the Culture and Sports Indoor Stadium from April 5 to 10.