Inspirational Karate Alba athlete Vilis Forstmanis sets new target for 2025 after latest accolade for Inverness Royal Academy youngster
After a trophy-laden 2024, Vilis Forstmanis has been named Karate Alba’s student of the year.
Forstmanis became the Cumbria, Scottish, British and British International champion, but his list of accolades only tell a small part of his story.
Already keen on his karate, the youngster was diagnosed with acute leukaemia a few years ago, spending 18 months in hospital in Aberdeen.
Following a cardiac arrest, he was flown by emergency helicopter to a specialist hospital in Edinburgh, where he was in a coma for some time.
Intense chemotherapy affected his ability to walk, and he still has to return to hospital now for regular blood transfusions, but he was determined to return to the sport he loved.
Along with Karate Alba Sensei Dolina Ross, Forstmanis learned Para Wheelchair Kata, and has gone on to win Highland Heroes’ Brave Child of the Year, UK Karate Para Athlete of the Year and Inverness Royal Academy’s student of the year on top of his competition medals.
Now, to cap off a spectacular year, he has been named his club’s student of the year, with Sensei Ross commenting: “Vilis showed tremendous courage, resilience and great karate spirit when faced with adversity.
“His amazing spirit is evident and inspirational. Karate Alba are incredibly proud of our amazing athlete, a great role model for our young athletes.”
On what the future may hold for Forstmanis, Sensei Ross added: “Vilis’ determination knows no boundaries as he has set new goals for 2025.
“Following intense physiotherapy, he has restored some power and movement in his legs, and he is determined to compete as a standing para athlete this year, plus he is training for his second Dan black belt.”