The 2017 GRAND WINNER of the Male Kumite -75kg category is STANISLAV HORUNA. The Ukrainian Karate Star is not only one of the most popular karatekas of international Karate but a fierce and motivating competitor who made a way to hell and back. 

The 2017 GRAND WINNER of the Male Kumite -75kg category is STANISLAV HORUNA. The Ukrainian Karate Star is not only one of the most popular karatekas of international Karate but a fierce and motivating competitor who made his way to hell and back. 

“I feel great for this (GRAND WINNER) award. Even though the last tournament did not go as well as I could have hoped for, to finish the season with this award is the perfect end for me,” said Stanislav Horuna, who got the fifth place at the last Karate 1-Premier League of the year in Halle/Leipzig (Germany). 

“For me it is a very exciting moment, to be here and to receive the award. It gives me strength for my next challenges. I am ready for whatever comes my way,” pointed out the 27-year-old athlete. Horuna’s enthusiasm and ability to overcome difficult situations are the trademarks of a competitor who puts into action the values of resilience and fighting spirit of Karate. 

BEATING RIVALS AND INJURIES

When Stanislav Horuna won gold at the first event of the season in Paris in January, the 1st dan karateka put an end to a two-year medal drought in international competitions. The Ukrainian champion reached the podium in the 2015 Karate 1-Premier League in Paris, and two years later, at the same venue, Horuna could experience again the joy of success. It would be the beginning of a memorable season for the current European Championships runner-up. 

“I got an injury that left me out for most of the season two years ago. Now that I recovered, I could do all those things that I didn't have the chance to do before. Seeing how this season went, with all the success I have had so far, we can say that it worked great for me,” declared Horuna. 

The athlete who works as a lawyer in his home town of Lviv, won two medals in Karate 1-Premier League (gold in Paris and bronze in Dubai) thus securing the Grand Winner award. In addition to this, Horuna claimed the second spot on the final podium at the European Championships and achieved an outstanding triumph at The World Games. 

SHINING AT THE WORLD GAMES

It was in the multi-sport event in Poland where the Ukrainian hero confirmed his re-emergence as one of the most spectacular competitors of Karate. Horuna presented an outstanding performance throughout the event, signing a total of 24 points (18 Yukos and two Ippons) in five bouts in a true demonstration of offensive Karate. In his quest to gold in Wroclaw, Horuna only allowed three yukos in five bouts. 

"This year I tried many things that I had planned to do before I was injured. I still have a few tricks that I want to try for next year and I will try to keep improving, especially in terms of the distancing strategy,” stated Horuna. 

With four medals in six tournaments this year and the Grand Winner award under his belt, Horuna appears as one of the frontrunners of the always competed Male Kumite -75kg category. He remains one of the most beloved athletes of international Karate, and it is easy to spot him surrounded by fans and interacting with sports enthusiasts; and now Horuna sets his eyes in his bright future. 

"Now I see my goal more clearly. I see Tokyo 2020 and my mind and body are there. It is still a long way, and I know that I must continue working hard. I will be tough but I am ready to take the challenge. We'll see how it turns out,” said Horuna.