Moravia High School freshman Haylee Swan made an impressive mark on the international stage at the World Kickboxing Championship in Vienna, Austria, finishing fifth in her division.

The rising star, who has been training in kickboxing for just eight months, won her first four matches before facing the eventual champion in a tough loss.

Competing against some of the best athletes in the world, Swan’s performance in Vienna highlighted not only her natural talent but also her dedication and hard work in the sport.

“I’m really thankful for the incredible opportunities that kickboxing has given me,” she shared. “It’s amazing to be able to travel the world, meet new people, and learn so much about myself and the world.”

Swan’s success at the World Championship is all the more impressive given her short time in the sport. Her rapid progress and determination have earned her a spot on Team USA, a huge milestone in her kickboxing journey. She is excited to continue training and preparing for the next championship, where she aims to build on her experience and take her skills to the next level.

With her sights set on the 2025 World Championship in Australia, Swan is more motivated than ever to continue her rise in the sport of kickboxing. As she moves forward in her training and competition, she remains thankful for the journey and the personal growth she’s experienced along the way.

“I actually met a lot of I met a lot of Australians and they’re all so friendly. So, I’m really excited to go there and compete,” she said. “I’d love to finish top three or even win gold. But the only place I can go is up. There is no going backwards in this sport. You just learn and grow.”