California teen Madison Knight wins 10 medals at martial arts worlds in France

Madison Knight, a 14-year-old from Azusa, California, won four golds, five silvers and one bronze at the 2026 ICO World Championships in France after the event was nearly shut down. The tournament ultimately went ahead after a rare display of unity from athletes across 35 countries helped push officials to let competition proceed.

Why it matters: - Madison Knight medaled in every division she entered, a rare sweep that underscores both elite versatility and consistency under pressure. - The championship nearly collapsed before competition began, turning the event into a test of diplomacy, resilience and cross-border solidarity as much as athletic performance. - Knight’s results add to the profile of a rising U.S. martial artist already competing at the world level.

What happened: - Madison Knight, 14, of Azusa, California, earned four gold medals, five silver medals and one bronze at the 2026 International Combat Organisation World Championships in Thonon-les-Bains, France. - Knight competed for Team USA and medaled in all 10 divisions she entered. - Knight finished 39th in the overall competitor standings. - The tournament was held after a last-minute disruption at check-in, when French authorities banned the event over permitting and regulatory issues. - Athletes who had traveled from around the world feared they would be sent home without competing.

The details: - ICO leadership worked with local government officials and secured a resolution the following day. - Team USA and Team Scotland trained in a park while the event was in limbo. - Martial artists from 35 countries joined the gathering and trained together. - The group’s display of unity drew the attention of the prefect and mayor. - Officials later allowed the championship to proceed. - The tournament was compressed into three days instead of four. - Some divisions used modified rules. - Knight competed in traditional, creative, musical and weapons events despite the compressed schedule. - Knight previously won three gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the 2025 World Martial Arts Games in Oslo, Norway. - Knight also won the overall weapons Grand Champion title in the combined boys’ and girls’ 17-and-under competition with her traditional katana performance. - Knight earned her black belt in 2023 and her second-degree black belt in April 2026 from Red Dragon Karate in Glendora, California. - Knight is a NASKA National Champion and a World Top 10 competitor. - Knight thanked her coaches, teammates, family and community supporters for helping make the championship possible. - Knight also thanked ICO USA, the International Combat Organisation and its leadership, including President Wesley Lawrence, Acting President Joshua Alcorn and Team Captain Clarissa DeHoyos. - Knight said the support from home helped her keep pushing and win gold.

Between the lines: - The park session became more than a workout. It turned into a public show of unity that helped change the mood around a threatened shutdown. - The episode highlights how international sporting events can hinge on local regulatory disputes as much as competition results. - Knight’s coach said the difficult start did not shake her focus, and her performance reflected preparation and determination. - Sensei Matt Erolin said Knight kept training with U.S. teammates and athletes from other countries, reinforcing the idea that martial artists compete against each other but also belong to one larger community. - Sensei Jack Zych said Knight’s results were the product of countless hours of work and persistence.

What's next: - Knight returns home with 10 medals and added momentum after another strong international showing. - Her website, More information, offers additional background on her career.