Maghera teen takes on world: 14 year-old Ruby Catherwood shines at ITF Taekwon-Do World Cup in Spain

A Mid-Ulster teenager has proven she belongs among the absolute best in martial arts after delivering a historic performance on the global stage.

Fourteen-year-old Ruby Catherwood, a talented young athlete from Maghera, made an unforgettable international debut at the prestigious ITF Taekwon-Do World Cup held in Benidorm, Spain.

Competing in a massive field of 2,600 athletes representing 57 countries across five continents, Ruby was part of a five-strong student squad from Elite Taekwon-Do NI. Under the guidance of coach Mr Shaw and club instructor Mr Dean Pritchard, the Mid Ulster teen fought her way to an exceptional 5th-place finish in the world.

Sensational Team & Individual Performances Stepping onto the mats at one of the sport’s most intense global events, Ruby showed remarkable poise and discipline beyond her years. Competing in individual sparring, she launched a relentless, high-energy run through the tournament bracket. Ruby secured brilliant, decisive victories against elite opponents from Slovenia and martial arts powerhouse Argentina.

Though she narrowly missed out on an individual podium spot after a razor-thin loss to a second Argentinian fighter, finishing 5th overall in the world is a historic milestone for the young Maghera competitor and her club, which has been open for less than three years.

Ruby’s individual success was part of an unforgettable tournament for the Elite Taekwon-Do NI squad. The team celebrated immense international success as team-mates Joel Birkett and Juhana McGown performed brilliantly to secure hard-earned Bronze medals in the team sparring event, locking in a historic victory over Argentina.

Ruby’s journey to the world stage was heavily backed by an immense wave of generosity from her hometown and surrounding Mid-Ulster communities. Recognising the incredible opportunity ahead of the young squad, local businesses stepped up to provide vital sponsorship and funding.

The team received major sponsorship from key local businesses, including Crushing Screening Parts, Maghera Chiropractic Clinic, Crilly’s, and Natural Tiles.

In addition to direct sponsorships, an incredible community raffle saw prizes donated by 20 different businesses across Maghera, Tobermore, and Draperstown. This massive show of local support featured major headline prizes from J3 Bolts & Bearings and JB Tyres, proving that Ruby had the entire community cornering for her as she took on the world’s best.

Reflecting on the squad’s achievements, Elite Taekwon-Do NI head coach, Mr Pritchard, highlighted just how significant Ruby and the team’s milestones truly are.

"This is the highest level of competition in our sport, and these young athletes have done themselves, their families, and our club extraordinarily proud,” said Mr Pritchard.

“For Ruby to go to her very first World Cup at just 14 years old, defeat world-class opponents, and secure a top-five world ranking is unbelievable. Her hard work, alongside the incredible backing of our local sponsors, has paid off on the global stage.”

The World Cup success caps off an exciting era of growth for Elite Taekwon-Do NI, which has also recently expanded its regional reach by launching a brand-new training venue in Newtownards.

Following Ruby’s inspiring performance, the club continues to warmly welcome new members of all ages and experience levels – whether they are looking to build fitness, learn self-defense, or follow in Ruby’s footsteps to compete internationally.

Phone: contact Mr Pritchard at 07825 235 480; Social Media: Follow on Facebook & Instagram @elitetaekwondoni