The Edinburgh Napier student has won a string of recent events across the world
An Edinburgh Napier University student and young karate star has spoken of his ambition to compete at the Olympics, following a successful 2024.
Cameron Furness, who is studying Sport & Exercise Science, is representing Scotland around the world in the sport – with this week's European Under 21 Championships in Poland next on his list.
The 19-year-old from Prestonpans, East Lothian, claimed gold in three categories at the recent British Karate Federation Grand Slam, while last year saw him win titles at the Commonwealth Karate Federation Championship, the British International Open and the Scottish National Championship.
Cameron is now looking to build on that success and is relishing the opportunity to take part in events around the globe.
“I really enjoy being able to travel to different parts of the world,” he said. “Recently I’ve been to South Africa for the Commonwealth Championships. I have also had the privilege to travel to Spain, Croatia, Hungary, Cyprus, Georgia, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, Poland and the United Arab Emirates.
“Later this year I’m going to Japan for the Wadokai World Championships, which I'm really looking forward to.
“I first got involved in karate about ten years ago. They had a taster at my primary school and I just fell in love with it.
“I started going along to my local club in Musselburgh and found I was naturally quite good at it. I did other sports too, but this was definitely the one for me.”
Cameron is one of ENU’s Dual Career students, a programme which allows athletes, or people working in sport, to fit their studies around their competitive calendar.
He added: “I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after leaving school. I was good at science - biology in particular - so this course made sense.
“Having that Dual Career support has been really good. It's let me fit everything in and give me something to work on outside of competition. It is quite full-on as I work part-time too, but I always manage to find time.”
Looking ahead, Cameron is aiming to see where else his karate takes him – with the hope it could lead to the Olympics one day.
The sport first featured at the Tokyo 2020 games but missed out on Paris last year. It could make a return for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
“That's the hope for me,” Cameron says. “Representing Team GB would be huge, amazing. I'll be 26 by 2032, so if it's back then I could be at a good age for it.”
“In the meantime the Under 21s European Championships are big tournament for me, as you're competing against the best of your age.
“I'm waiting to find out if I get picked for the senior squad for the European Championships in May, which would be a major achievement.
“Really I’m just trying to do as much as I can and enjoy it all!”