Dylan Pietersen Crowned WAKO World Champion in Italy
Dylan Pietersen Crowned WAKO World Champion in Italy
Jesolo Lido, Italy — Dylan Pietersen has been crowned a WAKO world champion, claiming gold in the ring code division at the WAKO World Championships for Children, Cadets and Juniors.
The 18-year-old from Paarl, competing for Cape Winelands Kickboxing out of Titans MMA Sports Academy, earned the title in a tournament that featured more than 78 participating countries.
The victory marks a remarkable comeback for Pietersen, who was forced to miss the world championships two years ago due to a life-threatening illness. His return to competition culminated in becoming only the second South African fighter since 2012 to win gold in WAKO ring code at the world championships, following Drikus du Plessis.
Known by the nickname "Die Main Hond," Pietersen also balances his athletic career with academic pursuits, studying business studies through Cambridge University at GenX College in Cape Town.
His father, Riaan Pietersen, who serves as head coach of Titans MMA Sports Academy and president of Cape Winelands Kickboxing, described the moment as one of the proudest of his coaching career.
"Today must be one of the proudest moments as a coach," he said. "Two of our kickboxers became world champions in the biggest arena in the world."
The championship was held from 18 to 27 September in Jesolo Lido, Italy.
