Kori Fital is an emerging force in Scottish karate, having recently represented Scotland at the 2026 European Youth Karate Championships, where she displayed exceptional discipline, technical precision, and a growing maturity on the international stage. Competing in kumite, Kori combined tactical intelligence with controlled aggression, earning praise for her composure under pressure and her ability to read opponents with increasing sophistication.
During the Championships, she delivered one of her standout performances against a highly ranked Italian athlete, securing a composed victory through sharp counterattacks and well‑timed movement. She followed this with a gritty display in her repechage round, scoring two decisive late points to edge a narrow win and strengthen Scotland’s overall standing. These matches highlighted not only her technical versatility but also her temperament — an ability to adapt, reset, and respond in high‑stakes moments.
Kori’s recent domestic success further underlines her upward trajectory. At the BUCS Karate Championships 2026, she captured the Gold Medal in the Senior Female –68kg category, showcasing dominance across the rounds and reinforcing her status as one of Heriot‑Watt University’s leading martial arts athletes. Her clinical performance at BUCS demonstrated her continued growth, particularly her improved ring control, precision, and ability to execute under pressure.
Building on this momentum, Kori has been selected to represent Heriot‑Watt University at the European Universities Combat Championships in Albania this September 2026, a significant milestone in her competitive journey. This opportunity places her on a wider continental stage and reflects the trust that both national and university coaches have in her ability to perform at the highest level.
Her selection for major championships is the result of years of steady progression through Scotland’s youth karate system, where she has become known for her precision, strong reactions, and exceptional coachability. Her openness to feedback, and her capacity to immediately translate it into performance improvements, has made her a valued member of every squad she joins.
As she continues to build on her international exposure and prepares for the European Universities Championships, Kori remains a driven, ambitious athlete with the mindset required to push into senior national and international contention. Her performances throughout the 2025–26 season mark an important step in her development and underline her potential to evolve into one of Scotland’s standout karate talents in the years ahead.
Kori Fital - Sports Scholar
We caught up with Kori to hear how her season is shaping up both on the mat and in the classroom. Balancing elite sport with academic study is no small feat, but her determination and focus continue to drive her forward.
1. What are you most proud of this month, and why?
"I'm most proud of winning the BUCS Championships this month. It reflects the hard work and consistency I've put in to training and it was rewarding to see that hard work pay off in competition."
2. What’s one challenge you’ve overcome recently and how?
“A recent challenge has been balancing university, work and training commitments alongside maintaining a social life. Staying organised and managing my time carefully has helped me handle these commitments."
3. What’s one academic or sporting goal you’re working towards this year?
“My goal this year is to maintain consistent performances throughout the season, work towards selection for the Senior European Championships and the Commonwealth Karate Championships, while also staying on top of my university coursework.”
Kori's story is a great example of what it means to be a Heriot-Watt Sports Scholar—balancing ambition, resilience, and a commitment to both sport and study. We’re proud to support athletes like Kori as they chase their goals and inspire others along the way.
Stay tuned for next month’s feature as we continue to spotlight the incredible talent across our scholar community.