Whiz Kid: World Karate Champion Rebecca Fishman

Whiz Kid’s Name: Rebecca Fishman, of Algonquin

Whiz Kid’s Age: 11 years old, 6th grade

Whiz Kid’s School: Heineman Middle School, 725 Academic Dr., Algonquin.

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Fishman holds a second brown belt in karate. Fishman competed in form and sparring at the 2010 World Karate Championships in Venice, Italy on Oct. 19, 2010. She won a gold medal in kumite (sparring), and a bronze in shoto kata (form).

Prior to that, Fishman attended the U.S. Junior Olympics in Virgina Beach, Va. in July 2010. She won two gold medals, which enabled her to try out and, ultimately, earn a spot on the U.S. Karate Team.

To prepare for the world-wide competition, Fishman awoke at 5 a.m. to train an hour-and-a half at home before school started, and trained an additional two hours after school with her coach and fellow teammates at Focus Martial Arts, 9342 Virginia Rd., Lake in the Hills.

Through all the rigors of training, Fishman maintained a 4.0 grade point average in school.

Fishman has been practicing karate since she was in kindergarten.

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness:

"If you really want something, you have to work hard for it, even if it means making sacrifices," Rebecca said.

If there is a Whiz Kid you would like to nominate, e-mail Amie Schenzer at amie.schaenzer@patch.com.