Home Shildon Hero’s welcome for Shildon world champion

Hero’s welcome for Shildon world champion

Brian Churm with his numerous belts, his gold medal and the Mayor’s Special Recognition award is supported by his proud sisters Olivia (8) and Ellie-Rose (6).

Shildon has a Thai boxing world champion. Ten-year-old Brian Churm has just returned from the home of the sport having been crowned WMF World Champion at the finals in Bangkok.

Brian, who is a pupil at St John’s C of E School retuned to a hero’s welcome at Jubilee Fields Community Centre, where he was further presented with the first ever Mayor’s Special Recognition Award for his incredible achievement.

Brian has been Thai boxing at the Phoenix Muay Thai Boxing Gym in Shildon for four years with trainer, Gary McAllister.

He has won many belts over the years, including WKO champion in 2021, then SANDEE champion twice in 2022 and 2023.
Recently he was chosen to represent Team GB in Thailand.

Brian’s team mate, Jensen Blair from Newton Aycliffe, who trains at the same gym, was also chosen to represent Team GB.

Both boys flew out to the Thai capital, Bangkok for three weeks of intensive training with their trainer, Gary and coach Brian Churm Snr, Brian’s dad.

Brian went on to win his bout and was crowned WMF World Champion, returning home after an epic experience with the gold medal.

Brian’s parents said: “Everyone in his family is so proud of Brian and what he has achieved.

“His hard work, determination and tenacity has paid off.

“He has brought home the gold medal for Britain but also for his hometown of Shildon.

“We would like to thank Gary McAllister for making Brian’s dream a reality and for all the time and effort he has put into Brian.

“Also, a massive thank you to St John’s School for supporting Brian and allowing him to follow his dreams.

“A huge thank you to his sponsors and supporters.

“And there should be a mention for Brian’s two younger sisters Olivia (8) and Ellie-Rose (6) who both train at the same gym as Brian.

“Olivia won her fight in Bradford last Saturday winning her first Sandee belt in her category and Ellie-Rose went on to win a silver medal in her bout, so Thai boxing really is a family affair.”

After presenting his Special Recognition Award, Town Mayor, Cllr Shirley Quinn said: “Brian is a total inspiration of a Shildon lad to have achieved this.”

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Shildon & District's local community newspaper.

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