In a stunning display of athleticism that defies her young age, 10-year-old Ontarian Ayla Karakas has carved her name into the history books as Canada’s first World Ninja League champion in her division. The young athlete from Aurora conquered a challenging obstacle course in Las Vegas last month, outperforming competitors from around the globe to claim the prestigious title.
“It was just an honour,” Ayla told reporters, her face beaming with pride and humility that belies her remarkable achievement. “When I won, I felt really accomplished, and I knew that all my hard work had paid off.”
The journey to world champion status began when Ayla, inspired by watching ninja competitions on television, convinced her parents to let her try the sport just two years ago. What started as childhood curiosity quickly evolved into serious training at CO24 News facilities in the Greater Toronto Area, where coaches immediately recognized her natural talent and dedication.
Ayla’s coach, Kevin Liang, describes her as a once-in-a-generation athlete. “Her strength-to-weight ratio is exceptional, but it’s her mental focus that truly separates her from competitors. She approaches each obstacle methodically, never letting nerves affect her performance.”
The World Ninja League championship in Las Vegas tested competitors with a gauntlet of demanding obstacles requiring strength, balance, agility, and split-second decision-making. Participants faced warped walls, salmon ladders, and hanging obstacles that challenge even the most seasoned adult athletes. Ayla completed the course in a remarkable time that left judges and spectators in awe.
Her father, Kemal Karakas, who witnessed the victory firsthand, couldn’t contain his emotion. “As a parent, you always believe in your child, but to see her perform at this level against international competition—it’s beyond what we could have imagined,” he said in an interview with CO24 Canada News.
Ayla’s victory represents more than personal triumph—it signals Canada’s emerging presence in the growing sport of ninja athletics. Previously dominated by American and Japanese competitors, the sport has seen rapid expansion across CO24 World News coverage regions, with training facilities opening across Canada.
Sports analysts note that Ayla’s achievement could inspire a new generation of Canadian ninja athletes. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a sports psychologist who specializes in youth athletics, explains: “Having a Canadian champion, especially one so young, creates an immediate connection for children watching. They see someone like themselves succeeding on the world stage, which makes the dream feel attainable.”
The young champion maintains a training schedule that would impress professional athletes, practicing four times weekly while balancing school responsibilities. Her discipline extends beyond the gym—she follows a nutrition plan and prioritizes rest to maintain peak performance.
When asked about future goals, Ayla’s ambitions reach beyond personal accolades. “I want to help more kids try ninja sports,” she said. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about challenging yourself and having fun while getting stronger.”
As Canada celebrates this groundbreaking achievement, one question remains: in a sport where champions typically emerge in their late teens or twenties, what heights might this remarkable 10-year-old reach as she continues to develop her extraordinary talents?
