By Khalil Elias
Aquinas College Menai student Jacinta Elias, a young Catholic from a Maronite family and an active member of Holy Family Parish Menai and the Maronite Eparchy, is celebrating a strong 12 months in karate while remaining grounded in her faith and community.
Now in Year 9, she has emerged as one of NSW’s promising young athletes following a standout 2025 season. She competed across the state, securing both State Championship and Australian National Championship titles in her division.
Her performances were recognised by the NSW Karate Federation, which awarded her two Sports Star of the Year honours for 2025 – one in kata and one in kumite. The awards are among the federation’s highest individual recognitions across each division and discipline.
The dual honours highlight Jacinta’s ability to compete at a high level in both kata, which focuses on technical forms, and kumite, or sparring. Her family attributes her discipline and focus in part to the values formed through her Catholic upbringing and involvement in the Maronite community.
Her success has continued into 2026, with strong results in two major state competitions.
At the NSW All Styles Karate Championships on 28 February, Jacinta won gold in the female cadet kumite under 54kg division and in female cadet kata.
She followed this performance at the NSW State Karate Championships on 21 March, where she claimed gold in female cadet kumite (open), female cadet kumite under 54kg, and female cadet kata.
These results secured her the title of 2026 NSW State Champion in her division and confirmed her standing among the state’s leading cadet competitors.
Jacinta has also been invited to train and trial for the Australian Karate Federation Train On Squad, a selective pathway for athletes being considered for future World Karate Federation international competition. Despite the demands of training and competition, Jacinta and her family remain active in parish life.
They are regulars at Holy Family Parish Menai and maintain strong ties to the Maronite Eparchy, connections that continue to support her academic and sporting commitments.
Her school has proudly supported her achievements and acknowledged her ability to balance study, sport, and faith.
Khalil Elias is Jacinta’s father. Do you want to share your story through The Catholic Weekly? See details and how to submit your article at catholicweekly.com.au/share-your-story
