A TEENAGER’S determination to compete despite suffering from the effects of tonsillitis earned him a prize on the international stage.

Rio Johnson returned to his home in Winsford with a bronze medal from the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) World Championships in Dundee.

He had spent the previous day in bed after visiting a doctor.

“And he went straight back there after winning the medal,” said dad Paul.

“It was just bad luck, and the worst timing, to fall ill the day after we arrived.

“He made the decision to compete at the last minute, and he had nothing left to give after four gruelling fights.”

“I think getting bronze made him feel at least a bit better.”

Rio, who won gold at the United World Karate (UWK) World Championships in Italy at the end of last year, was the favourite to add another title in Scotland.

He had beaten most of the other contenders at the Amateur Martial Association (AMA) International Karate Championships only a month earlier.

“It’s frustrating, because Rio had trained so hard to be ready,” said Paul.

“He couldn’t do his kata, and had to pull out, so at least he was able to salvage something from taking part.”

Instead Zac Finnie was a victor in the kumite (fighting) shobu ippon for under 14s boys.

Owain Williams took silver.

Rio was in a 12-strong contingent that made a journey north from the Cheshire Martial Arts Centre in Warrington.

They were part of an England team representing the Shukokai Shitoryu Karate Alliance.

“My students put in up to a dozen hours per week over a number of months, working on fitness, technique and power to be ready to compete,” said head coach Paul Graham.

Now fully recovered, Rio – who turned 14 on Friday – begins his preparations for the WUKF European Championships in Malta later this year.