Barrhead karate star Niamh Junner enjoyed international success at the World Karate Federation Youth League in Umag, Croatia, last month.

Niamh competed in the U-18 +59kg category, winning five fights to reach the final before winning an impressive silver in a field of 62 top competitors from all over the world at the July 6-8 event. 

The teenager, who fights out of the Shitokai Karate Club in Paisley, came up against Croat Lea Vukoja in the final, narrowly missing out on gold after a 0-0 draw saw it come down to the judges’ scorecards.

Earning her black belt at 13, just five years after getting into the sport, her talent and competitive nature has seen Niamh shoot up the rankings. 

Currently No 56 in the World Karate Federation rankings, the points from her silver medal in Umag will be allocated today and should see her move into the top 20.

The four-time SGKB Scottish Champion has a hectic schedule ahead looming as she competes in the British Open in September before competitions at Berlin in October and Venice in December.