In a groundbreaking performance, the United States Female Kumite team secured their first-ever silver medal at the Karate World Cup, the most prestigious karate event of the year. Facing off against the world's best, Team USA’s run to the final was a testament to the sport's growth in the United States.

“The experience (at the Karate World Cup) is unlike any other. It’s an honour to be a part of the team, and it’s an honour to be here competing with the top 20 countries in the world. So, the experience is truly unmatched,” said Team USA’s Jenna Brown.

The road to silver was anything but easy. Team USA faced stiff competition in their pool stage matches. They opened with a narrow 2-1 victory against Vietnam but stumbled against Egypt, losing 3-0. Undeterred, they bounced back with dominant 3-0 wins over both Croatia and Greece to secure second place in their group and a spot in the knockout stages.

In the quarterfinals, the team pulled off a major upset, defeating former world champions France 2-0. Building on that momentum, they edged Italy 2-1 in the semifinals, marking the best result in U.S. women’s kumite history.

In the final, Team USA faced karate powerhouse Japan. Despite their best efforts, the representatives of the North American powerhouse nation of the sport were outmatched, 2-0 to claim the historic silver medal.

“I don’t think we left anything outside the mat. We put our all in, and I really trusted my teammates, and they did their job. But Japan got us today. However, we’ll be back. We are going to be back to make this happen again and hopefully make the outcome different next time,” said former World Championships runner-up Trinity Allen.

“To Stay with All of Us for the Rest of Our Lives”

Held in front of a cheering crowd, the Karate World Cup gathered the best Karate in the world and featured the strongest karate nations in the world. The American team achieved a historic accomplishment with their memorable performance in Pamplona, Spain.

“We just made history, and it’s something that is going to stay with all of us for the rest of our lives. The biggest thing for me was being with my teammates, and they have literally become my sisters. I have grown up with all four of these girls, and we have become a family.”

This historic result signals a bright future for karate in the United States. The team’s silver medal has not only put American women’s kumite on the global map but also inspired a new generation of athletes back home.