Madison Knight. Photo from her athlete website.
Madison Knight, a student at Maxwell and California School of the Arts–San Gabriel Valley in Duarte, won four gold medals, five silver and one bronze representing Team USA at the 2026 International Combat Organisation World Championships in Thonon-les-Bains, France.
The 14-year-old medaled in all 10 divisions she entered, according to a news release. Her parent shared her school connections in a Facebook update thanking the community for supporting her.
The competition nearly did not happen. According to the release, French authorities initially banned the event over permitting and regulatory issues. While organizers negotiated with officials, Team USA and Team Scotland began training in a park, where athletes from 35 countries joined them. The championship ultimately proceeded on a shortened three-day schedule, with modified rules for some divisions.
Knight earned medals in traditional, creative, musical and weapons events. She received her second-degree black belt in April from Red Dragon Karate in Glendora.
“The amount of support and love I received back home throughout this journey is what helped me keep pushing and win gold,” Knight said in the release.
- Brad Haugaard
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