Local athlete Cherish Miller is returning home from the Canadian Kickboxing Championships with her bags a little heavier—bringing back a national title and the championship belt to match.

Miller, a Grade 12 student at Central Algoma Secondary School, captured gold in the 55 kg intermediate (teen) division. Representing Sault Ste. Marie’s Steel City MMA, she defeated Vanesha Kakish of Toronto’s Hook Up Muay Thai Academy in a hard-fought championship bout.

“Cherish fought exceptionally well,” said Steel City MMA head coach Brent Fryia. “she had to overcome some adversity before the tournament even began, and the gold medal match was very competitive. She really had to dig deep after the first round.”

In addition to her training at Steel City MMA, Miller dedicated considerable time to strength and conditioning work with Central Algoma Secondary School physical education teacher Ray Gowlett, himself a former fighter, in preparation for the national championships.

This victory marks Miller’s third title of the year, following double gold performances in both the teen and adult divisions at the provincial championships earlier this season.

Source/Photo: Steel City MMA