SCHOOLBOY Sam Eagle is soaring high after taking two gold medals in British karate championships.

At the weekend Sam, who is a Year Nine pupil at Sale Grammar School, travelled to Motherwell in Scotland to compete in the British Karate Federation International Championships.

He won gold in the 12-13 years Individual Kata (performance) category and gold in Team Kumite (fighting) with his team-mates Daniel Bartoletta and Cory Liddle.

Sam has trained since the age of six under Sensei Ian Swain (7th Dan) at Sale Dojo and is now three times individual British Champion and twice British Team Champion.

He also holds two individual English Champion titles and was English Team Fighting Champion in May this year.

Sam, supported by his parents Janine and Ray Eagle, has competed in Poland and Germany and was the Hamburg Open Champion in February this year, winning gold in Kata. He is hoping to retain his title again there in February 2020.

The achievements take dedication and Sam trains at least four nights a week along with lessons from an England National squad member, Natalie Payne

"She is a multi-times champion and works tirelessly with him," said Mrs Eagle.

"In November, Sam will grade for his black belt and he is so fortunate to have such great Senseis in such a supportive club which has produced both national and international champions.

"We love seeing him compete and will support him as much as we possibly can. Despite being in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, karate is still a non-funded sport."