Twin sisters aiming to make it double trouble for kickboxing competitors

The pair, both 16-years-old and from Friockheim, have been involved in the sport for nine years.

After a disrupted couple of years, where all sports were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Iona and Amber are now relishing being back in competitive action and are preparing for the English Open, which will be held in Barnsley in February.

Both will attend the event as part of Skyaxe Dundee, where they train, but will also be representing Scotland as a team.

Mum Vicki explained that the girls first got the bug after watching brother Jack compete.

"When Jack started kickboxing, Amber decided she wanted to join and then, a bit later, Iona as well,” said Vicki.

"The three of them were then all involved and they used to train in Arbroath before moving on to Skyaxe in Dundee.

"Iona stopped for a few years but has decided to get back and she’s been putting in the hard work, which is good.”

All three siblings have competed at a high level and, at the World Championships in Malta in 2015, each returned to the area with medals while Amber was also the two time World Cup champion.

"They’ve fought at the Scottish Champions and I couldn’t tell you how many trophies they have,” added Vicki.

"After Covid-19, Amber’s first fight back was down at the worlds in Barnsley and she came away the two time world champion in the 15-17 category.

"That was in two disciplines, one in the ring and one on the mat.”

Given the two are obviously the same age, there is always the chance they could face each other in combat.

“Twice they’ve ended up in a final together,” said Vicki.

"It was horrible to watch the two of them having to compete.”

The girls are being sponsored by the Friockheim Hub who will have their logo printed on the fight kit.

If any individual or local business wishing to do likewise and show their support, can get in touch with the team on Facebook by searching ‘Amber Iona Kickboxers’ or by emailing [email protected]