#businesssponsorship — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-04-24 · 14:55 UTC

LLANELLI: Three-time world champion kickboxer who bag-packed in supermarkets to fund her career calls for business support

A three-time world kickboxing champion from Llanelli is calling on local businesses to sponsor her career — after revealing she has been raffling prizes and bag-packing in supermarkets to raise money for international tournaments.

Dr Tennessee Randall, 28, has won world titles, two European championships, and held an unbeaten international record for five years — but says a lack of consistent backing is now limiting her ability to compete at the highest level.

“Everything we do, we fund ourselves — travel, accommodation, entry fees,” she said. “We were raffling and bag-packing in supermarkets to raise money for my most recent overseas tournament.”

Llanelli’s Tennessee Randall celebrates a kickboxing win

Her latest world title came in Abu Dhabi last November, where she won the under-65kg full-contact category. She also held an unbeaten international record between 2018 and 2023 in the under-56kg division.

“I don’t know when my next tournament is because I don’t know what I can afford,” she said. “If I had more support, I could compete more, stay active, and keep improving. There’s so much more I want to achieve to further put my local area and Wales on the map.”

Randall’s journey in the sport began at the age of seven, when her parents encouraged her to take up kickboxing following bullying at school. She progressed through local clubs before joining Xandao Kickboxing, where she was identified as a potential international competitor — and won her first world title at the age of 12.

She has since competed in approximately 1,000 bouts and has twice been named Llanelli Sportsperson of the Year at the Brin Isaac Memorial Awards. She is targeting a third win — which would equal the record held by rugby legend Phil Bennett, who alongside 1979 world snooker champion Terry Griffiths is among Llanelli’s most celebrated sporting figures.

Tennessee Randall in the kickboxing ring

Alongside her sporting career, Randall has earned a doctorate in psychology from Swansea University and works as a research associate while also coaching fitness and kickboxing classes locally.

She has received some support from equipment brand Top Ten but says consistent sponsorship has been hard to come by despite her record at world level.

Looking ahead, Randall has her sights set on competitions in Uzbekistan, North Macedonia and Istanbul. “These are the tournaments where you fight the best of the best,” she said. “That’s what I want — to keep pushing myself.”

Businesses interested in supporting Randall’s campaign can get in touch via her social media channels.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Double delight for Llanelli-born star as world kickboxing champion gets Swansea Uni Masters distinction
Our previous coverage of Tennessee Randall’s academic and sporting achievements.

Swansea and Carmarthenshire Team Wales fighters help secure impressive medal haul at World Championships
Welsh kickboxers on the world stage.

Record medal haul for Welsh martial arts competitors at World Championships
Wales’s growing reputation in international martial arts competition.

#businessSponsorship #kickboxing #Llanelli #sponsorship #TennesseeRandall

#businesssponsorship #kickboxing #llanelli #sponsorship #tennesseerandall

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-30 · 14:23 UTC

SURF’S UP: Pembrokeshire teen riding wave of success on world stage

Josie Hawke, from Newgale in Pembrokeshire, is being backed once again as she looks to take her talents across the UK and Europe.

The rising star only took up surfing at the age of 10 — but has already established herself as one of the most exciting young prospects in Wales.

Last season proved to be a breakthrough year.

Josie dominated the Welsh Surfing National Junior Championships, successfully defending titles across three age groups — Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.

She also impressed on a wider stage, finishing runner-up at Boardmasters and winning the Under 16 event at the prestigious Rip Curl GromSearch.

Now, the teenager has her sights firmly set on pushing even further.

She said: “Last season was really positive for me and this year I’ve set myself a number of goals, including doing well in national and European competitions.

“I’m looking forward to competing in more events than last year and making the most of every opportunity to learn and gain experience.”

Josie is also stepping up her training, focusing on fitness and strength work alongside time in the water.

“I’m working on my cardiovascular training and spending time in the gym twice a week,” she added.

Welsh surfing star, Josie Hawke with Stephen Deakin, chief executive at BCRS who are supporting Josie financially

Behind the scenes, she’s being supported by BCRS Business Loans, helping her travel, compete and continue developing her skills.

Her mum, Izzy Pullin, said the backing is making a real difference.

“Josie works incredibly hard and is always looking for ways to improve,” she said.

“The support means she can keep gaining experience at competitions and continue developing in the sport she loves.”

The organisation is also backing grassroots surfing in Wales, including events run by the Welsh Surfing Federation.

Stephen Deakin, chief executive at BCRS, said: “Josie is an exceptional young talent who has already achieved some fantastic results.

“Her determination and commitment to improving her skills are inspiring.”

With another packed season ahead — and international competition in her sights — the Pembrokeshire teen looks set to keep flying the flag for Welsh surfing.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Surfer rescued off Porthcawl as RNLI warn of rip tide dangers
Dramatic rescue highlights the risks faced by surfers along the South Wales coast.

Swansea surf therapy group backed by major funding boost
Community surfing projects continue to grow across the region.

Blind surfers take to the waves in groundbreaking event
Inspiring initiative opens up surfing to new audiences.

Swansea photographer wins top surf photography award
Local talent capturing the beauty and power of the ocean.

Swansea lifeguard narrowly misses out on surfing medal
Determined athlete shines at Welsh championships.