Just two months ago, the Port Washington News reported that Port Washington resident Ashley Hill, daughter of the first American to win the World Karate Federation World Championships in 1980 Tokey Hill, won silver at USA karate senior team trials, made Team USA and will advance on to the Pan American Championships in March. Well, March has come and gone and Ashley won the qualifier during the Pan American Championships, allowing her to nab a coveted spot at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru this August.
In order for Hill to qualify, she had to become the number one seeded athlete in her division. She is one of eight women athletes who are number one in their nation in the 61 kilo division and who will compete at the games.
“I went in very confident and I refused to lose,” said Hill of how she succeeded at the championships. “A dream of mine has always been to go to the games. I scored a defensive hook in my last match and I knew I’d fulfill this goal of mine.”
In order to train for the games, Hill will continue to practice the same way she has for all other events, with the same determination, training regimen, positive attitude and a focus on the important things ahead. To recover from her matches, she utilizes Fahrenheit Physical Therapy for its salt room (lung and respiratory system recovery) and infrared saunas. She also works with Lou Valentine, who helps Hill with muscle recovery so she can train as hard as possible.
Along with the games, Hill will compete at the qualifiers for the K1 event, traveling to Morocco in two weeks, and after that, matching up against others in competitions in Europe almost every two weeks until 2020.
“I feel so honored and happy I’m going to this event,” said Hill of the games. “It’s such an honor to represent my country. Special thank you to my team Coach Tokey Hill, Christina Muccini, my family, The Hunter, Scooter and Eddie from CEA, Lou Valentine for body work, Dr. Joyce Norris, Kathy and Mary from Fahrenheit and Lauren Brue.”
