Topping man’s training leads to Thailand

(Note to readers: The Sentinel collaborated with Jen Campbell of Hartfield who has seen first hand the transformation of local young people through martial arts. This is one such story.)

by Jen Campbell – 

The story of Manny Fernandez’s rise to the world stage of Thai boxing begins in his Topping backyard where he started training. The weathered punching bag, uneven bars and wear pattern on the ground beneath them are testament to persistence and the disciplined mindset of Manny Fernandez and his remarkable achievement in the sport and art of muay Thai, or Thai boxing, the national sport of Thailand.

His story can change and inspire others. 

At the age of 23, Fernandez has excelled in the ability to set goals and execute a mental and physical plan to achieve each one. In March 2023 Fernandez traveled to Denver, Colo., to compete in the 2023 USA Muay Thai Adult  National Championships. The stakes were extremely high, only winners would advance and represent the United States at the World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

Not only did Fernandez dominate his competition in Denver, he was the only athlete that competed all three days during the national championship, and won all three of his designated fights. This accomplishment alone placed Fernandez in a league of his own…