A Glasgow teenager who faced life-threatening health challenges as an infant has achieved remarkable success on the international martial arts stage.Ben Cotter, 15, secured a bronze medal for Scotland in his age category at the JSKA World Karate Championships held in Matsuyama, Japan, this past November.The competition also marked another significant milestone for the young athlete, who received his Shodan gradin, a first-degree black belt, before SKA world chief instructor Nagaki Mitsuru Shihan.His journey has been described as "extraordinary."TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayCotter's path to this achievement began under the most challenging circumstances as immediately following his birth, he was transferred to neonatal intensive care.At just four weeks of age, his condition deteriorated critically, requiring life support. Doctors identified bronchomalacia, a condition causing abnormally soft airways that are susceptible to collapse.Throughout his early years, his breathing would halt unexpectedly, necessitating resuscitation by medical professionals and, on occasion, his own parents.The youngster experienced multiple lung collapses, resulting in permanent damage to his lungs and frequent reliance on supplemental oxygen.Despite these serious health obstacles, Cotter refused to let his medical difficulties prevent him from pursuing athletics and began training in karate at just four years old.Now a black belt holder, the teenager has expressed that competing at international level and travelling globally feels "amazing," particularly given the difficult start to his life.Ben said: "There was a point where doctors were worried about whether I would survive and whether it would affect things like learning and walking. I felt like I was always wearing a hospital wrist band."LATEST SPORT NEWSEngland star Harry Maguire signs new contract with Man United as World Cup hopes hang in balanceEngland fans left furious as 'sickening' train prices soar by 300 per cent ahead of World Cup clashEFL side promoted to Championship after 65 years and become first team to go up following Easter winHe added: "Even when I started karate I remember being really tired because my left lung had to do most of the work, but its just something thats always been part of my life."Competing now and travelling around the world for karate - a sport thats given me so much - is amazing, especially when I think about where I started."Competing in Japan was incredible, the Ehime Prefectural Budokan is completely different to what were used to here."In the UK, I compete in leisure centres but there you feel like a gladiator competing in these incredible structures of wood and metal with statues everywhere. Theres a real sense of history there. Walking in to compete was an amazing experience."The 15-year-old, who wants to go on to study medicine, also earned the title of British Kumite champion in karate in London in January and is looking forward to taking part in future karate events.He said: "Karate has given me so many experiences and taken me around the world, so its something Ill keep doing for the rest of my life."The next big championships are in Italy next year, and Im already focused on getting better and pushing further. Winning in London was another proud moment."Since the achievement, Kelvinside Academy rector Daniel Wyatt and Bens coach at Hokushin Karate Academy, Mike McCusker, praised the young British athlete.Wyatt said: "Bens journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a life-threatening collapsed lung to a determined young athlete, he has defied the odds at every turn."At just 15, winning a bronze medal at the Karate World Championships in Japan is a testament not only to his skill but to his resilience, discipline and unwavering spirit."Mike added: "Watching him grow from that determined young boy into the martial artist he is today has been an honour.He first came to train with me as a small boy who was often frail and unwell, but despite those early challenges, he never asked for special treatment and was expected to train and push himself just like every other student."Earning a black belt is a milestone few reach, but to do so in Japan - the birthplace of Shotokan karate - makes the achievement even more remarkable. Bens success is a testament to his perseverance, courage and spirit."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

The lorry driver is in custody after the train driver died during the collision in northern France.

A small cruise ship struck a reef near the island where the Tom Hanks' movie "Cast Away" was filmed and the operator has now shed light on what led to the incident.The April 4 collision occurred when one of its vessels hit a finger reef near Monuriki Island in Fiji during worsening weather conditions, according to Blue Lagoon Cruises."While the investigation is in its early stages, conditions upon the ship anchoring in the area were calm, and it appears a severe squall caused the ships anchor to drag toward a nearby reef whereby the ship became grounded," Blue Lagoon Cruises said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.LUXURY HOTELS LAUNCH SUPERYACHTS FOR WEALTHY TRAVELERS WHO HAVE LONG AVOIDED CRUISES"The response time available for crew was limited," the operator added.Blue Lagoon Cruises said roughly 30 passengers were on board at the time. Citing Fiji navy sources, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported the vessel was also carrying about 30 crew members.Around dawn, a large high-speed ferry arrived alongside the vessel to assist with the evacuation.All guests and non-essential crew disembarked with their luggage and personal belongings, according to Blue Lagoon Cruises.Passengers were transported back to Port Denarau, where Blue Lagoon Cruises arranged hotel accommodations, along with alternative activities and experiences, the company said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERNo injuries were reported among guests or crew.In recent years, several reef groundings have led to emergency rescues.In 2025, the expedition ship Coral Adventurer struck a reef off Papua New Guinea, leaving about 80 passengers stranded for days, according to reporting by Cruise Passenger and an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation.In 2024, a New Zealand naval vessel grounded on a reef near Samoa caught fire and sank, requiring evacuation of all crew, according to a New Zealand Defense Force inquiry.CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESMonuriki Island is a small, uninhabited island in Fijis Mamanuca archipelago.It is known for its white sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and dense tropical vegetation, surrounded by water and coral reefs.Its remote, untouched landscape made it a perfect filming location for the 2000 movie "Cast Away," starring Tom Hanks.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZSince the films release, Monuriki has become a popular day-trip destination, often informally called "Castaway Island" (not to be confused with a nearby resort island with that name).Despite its fame, it remains undeveloped with no permanent residents.Visitors come to hike, snorkel and explore filming spots like the famous "Wilson" beach.

Die Basketballerinnen vom BC Marburg haben vllig berraschend das Halbfinale in den Play-Offs zur Deutschen Meisterschaft erreicht. Weil dort nun eine Mannschaft auf Augenhhe wartet, ist jetzt sogar das Finale zum Greifen nahe.[mehr]

Global Healthcare Biometric Systems Market, valued at a robust USD 7.84 billion in 2024, is on a trajectory of significant expansion, projected to reach USD 19.47 billion by 2032. This growth, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.03%, is detailed in a comprehensive new report published by Semiconductor Insight. The study highlights the critical role of these advanced identity...

Le Real Madrid accueille le Bayern Munich en quart de finale aller de la Ligue des champions, ce mardi (21h) Bernabeu, avant le retour le 15 avril en Bavire. Une double confrontation que Kylian Mbapp aborde avec une grosse pression, lheure o ses prestations et son implication dfensive font lobjet de critiques en Espagne.

En signant dans lagence dun des promoteurs de boxe les plus influents du monde, le jeune Henry Pollock tente de devenir le nouveau visage du rugby mondial. A Northampton, son club de toujours, les supporters observent dun il conquis lclosion de leur protg.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir reveals a plan is in place to tackle Nick Daicos.