YORK'S Liam O'Grady proved to be a karate whizz-kid at the world championships.

Originally selected for the Great Britain juniors, the 20-year-old O'Grady was pitched in at the deep end in the Prague event when a senior kumite team member broke his toe.

That ushered O'Grady, who was selected as first reserve, into his senior debut in no less than the world semi-finals and a crunch showdown with tournament favourites Russia.

The shining star from the York Kenshikan Club not only passed his baptism of desire in stirring style, but his conquest over his Russian foe also sealed Britain's place in the final against Sweden.

While Britain subsequently had to be content with a silver medal as beaten finalists O'Grady's first outing remained his highlight of the championships. It also secured a second medal for the man who works in the highway regulations department at the City of York Council.

Before his senior silver lining he was a member of the junior kumite team that gained bronze after losing to Hungary in the semi-finals.

The only blot on the Prague landscape for O'Grady was his loss in the individual discipline, where he was beaten by an American adversary in the quarter-finals. "The consolation was that he went on to win the individual crown," recalled O'Grady, who hails from York's Stockton Lane.

The York ace first hurled himself into the demanding sport 12 years ago. Currently he trains twice a week with the York Kenshikan Club at Canon Lee School, and three nights at the Leeds Karate Academy. He becomes a senior when he turns 21-years-old.

And after sampling double-medal glory O'Grady's next aim is to appear as a fully-fledged senior when the next world championships are held in Japan - the home of all martial arts - in two years' time.

To aid him in that ambition O'Grady would benefit from sponsorship. Anyone willing to help can contact him on 01904 430453.

Updated: 11:21 Saturday, September 15, 2001