A local athlete is headed to Thailand this month to compete against the globe. David Barreras, a sixth grader at Miano Elementary School practicing Muay Thai for the past few years, has recently been selected to represent the country in an international martial arts tournament in Bangkok.
Barreras has been practicing Muay Thai since he was eight years old. Having picked up the sport under four years ago, the young athlete has risen to the international rank of competition and is currently competing in Thailand as a member of Team USA.
Barreras’ parents accompany their aspiring gold medalist as he maintains his physical and academic obligations. Despite being away for some portions of the year traveling for Muay Thai events, Barreras is an honor roll student and has earned the favor and respect of his school principal, Zelda Dias-Harper, who said, “We are very excited for David and wish him good luck.”
Barreras’ success in martial arts is partly due to his parents: in addition to being an ever-present support system, his mother, Amber Pope, has played a dual role as a parent and Muay Thai coach.
Having made Team USA herself as a young fighter, Pope is very proud to have her son follow in her footsteps. “Muay Thai is about respect and discipline,” Pope explains. “It’s a year-long sport, and it takes year-long focus.”
Pope founded Strike Fitness, a gym in Los Banos that introduces young athletes to Muay Thai and other contact sports. This lifelong exposure to martial arts may lead Barreras to a gold medal, as this most recent competition could lead to high places for the winners.
The athlete who takes home the gold medal in this international tournament will advance to the next tier of championships, potentially leading to professional-level competitions.
The Olympics doesn’t officially recognize Muay Thai because of a lack of universal participation. However, the Barreras hope it will receive recognition on the world stage by the time David is in college.
Despite the pressure resting on the athletes participating in this international competition, Barreras takes it all in stride.
David Barreras Sr., the young athlete’s father, comments, “David knows the routine, and he’s just been having fun.” He continues, “The kid just doesn’t get nervous!”
As Barreras prepares to compete against the world, his family and community cheer him on from the valley. The Muay Thai competition began Sept. 10 and concludes on the 20th. Barreras will arrive home shortly after.
Strike Fitness is always looking for sponsors and potential students. Anyone looking to encourage Barreras or another young person can join or donate to the group’s GoFundMe.
Though the stakes are high, many back home wish Barreras luck on the first major leg of his martial arts journey.
