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Anchorage teen captures bronze medal in karate at Junior Pan Am Games

By Anchorage Daily News
Updated: September 1, 2019 Published: August 31, 2019

Rickyjon Balgenorth practices the Kata Chatanyara Kushanku at Okamoto's Karate late last month. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Competing for the first time as a member of Team USA, 15-year-old Rickyjon Balgenorth of Anchorage won a bronze medal Friday at the Junior Pan American Games in Ecuador.

Balgenorth, a South High sophomore, took third place in the age 14-15 men’s kata competition on the opening day of the games.

He was one of 21 Americans to pick up medals Friday — five gold, six silver and 10 bronze. Team USA went 2-3 in Balgenorth’s division, with silver going to Caio DaSilva.

Balgenorth is a black belt who trains at Okamoto’s Karate.

Rickyjon Balgenorth practices the Kata Chatanyara Kushanku at Okamoto's Karate on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in Anchorage. Balgenorth, a rising sophomore at South High, is competing in the Junior Pan American Championships in late August in Ecuador.

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