Bermuda has made a significant return to the global martial arts stage, with elite prospect Geraldine Sidders becoming the first athlete from the island to compete at the World Junior Wushu Championships in over a decade.
Competing in Tianjin, China, Sidders tested herself in the Group A Division (ages 15–17) against the world’s finest young practitioners. In the highly technical Gunshu (Staff) Division, she produced a composed performance to finish 32nd in a crowded field of 43 world-class competitors. The appearance marks a major milestone for the Bermuda Sanshou Association (BSA) as they look to re-establish an international presence.
Reflecting on the high-pressure environment, Sidders focused on her mental discipline. “I am extremely thrilled with my performance; I remained completely composed and extremely focused,” she said. While minor deductions impacted her score, she felt her form was executed to the best of her current ability, providing a vital “confidence boost”.
BSA President Garon Wilkinson expressed immense pride, noting that Sidders had only been training with the staff for a few months. Despite “ups and downs” during preparation in China, Wilkinson emphasized that she successfully delivered the “best version of herself” and looked like she belonged on the world stage.
The focus now shifts to the Chanquan (Longfist) Division on Saturday. Having secured a solid foundation in the staff event, Sidders will be looking to climb the rankings in the empty-hand form as she continues her development on the road to the Dakar 2026 Junior Olympics.
