At just 16 years old, Oshiya Newby-Morgan has etched her name into Canadian sports history, winning gold for Team Canada at the 2025 IFMA Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Her victory is not only a triumph for Dufferin County but also a milestone for Black Canadian athletes on the global stage.
Last week, a group of young Canadian athletes stepped into the global spotlight at the 2025 IFMA Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Among the 21 youth athletes and 11 coaches representing Team Canada, one remarkable victory stood out, capturing the hearts of Canadians near and far.
Sixteen-year-old Oshiya Newby-Morgan of Dufferin County made history by bringing home gold, becoming one of only two Canadians to reach the top of the podium at the International Olympic Committee-recognized Muay Thai tournament. Her win meant the Canadian anthem rang out and the maple leaf flag was raised above competitors from Morocco, who finished second, and Russia, who took third.
Oshiya’s accomplishment is groundbreaking in more ways than one. She is now the first athlete from Dufferin County, male or female, to claim a gold medal at an IFMA event. Even more significantly, she is the first Black Canadian female to achieve gold at this prestigious competition. With her undefeated record still intact, Oshiya has shown what is possible through discipline, determination, and unshakable focus—qualities that set her apart in a sport where such streaks are rare, especially among women.
Her journey was supported by Kru Martello, who attended the championships as a Team Canada coach to back one of his students. Their training base, Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy in Orangeville, has long fostered a culture of excellence and community pride. Oshiya’s victory is a reflection of that environment, demonstrating what young people can achieve when given the tools, mentorship, and encouragement to push their limits.
Team Canada’s overall performance
While Oshiya’s gold shone brightest, Team Canada’s presence at the IFMA Youth World Championships was strong overall. The national delegation secured:
- 2 Gold medals
- 3 Silver medals
- 4 Bronze medals
These results are a reminder of the deep talent pool across Canada, even in the face of challenges that many athletes and their families encounter on the path to international competition.
The road ahead for Canadian Muay Thai
Oshiya’s historic achievement also sparks an important conversation about support for Canadian athletes. While countries like Russia fielded delegations as large as 113 athletes with robust government backing, Canada continues to rely heavily on the dedication of individual families, coaches, and communities. Greater investment in sports like Muay Thai could open doors for countless children with the skill and determination to represent their country at the highest levels.
For now, Oshiya’s gold medal stands as a beacon of what is possible. Her story demonstrates that young Canadians, regardless of their background, can rise to the top of the world stage. It also underlines the importance of representation, inspiring Black Canadian youth to see themselves reflected in elite sport.
A legacy in the making
At just 16, Oshiya Newby-Morgan has already carved out a place in Canadian sports history. Her victory transcends the podium, uplifting her community and the country at large. For Dufferin County, she stands as a true trailblazer. She is a testament to resilience and talent flourishing against the odds. For young athletes across the country, she is living proof that dreams can be achieved through hard work, discipline, and belief.
As Oshiya continues her journey in Muay Thai, her victory will remain a source of inspiration. The community at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy and beyond hopes her success will fuel recognition, resources, and support for the next generation of Canadian athletes. With her record still undefeated and her spirit unwavering, Oshiya Newby-Morgan represents a future where Canadian excellence shines brightly on the world stage.
