Plainfield Teen To Represent USA At Martial Arts Championship

PLAINFIELD, IL — After mastering an ancient form of martial arts, Plainfield teenager Andrew Swanson will represent the United States in the sport's world championships in Rome. Now, Andrew's family is asking the community's help in making sure he can afford the trip.

Andrew, a 16-year-old student at Plainfield Central, has been training in martial arts and combat sports since he was 12, said his mom, Nicole Swanson. He has trained in jiu jitsu, muay Thai, kick boxing and other disciplines over the years.

Andrew has amassed 10 gold medals and 3 silver medals in jiu jitsu and kick boxing competitions, Nicole said. With that success, Andrew's trainers recommended a more obscure form of martial arts known as pankration. Andrew has trained at SUDA International Training Center, 13731 S. Route 30 in Plainfield.

Pankration is form of martial arts founded in ancient Greece that mixes wrestling and boxing. It made its debut in the Olympic games in 648 BCE. It is similar in style to modern day mixed-martial arts, and is a popular sport in Europe.

Andrew has trained in the new sport for the last year. Recently, he qualified to join Team USA in the World Pankration Championships, to be held in Rome Nov. 15-18.

Qualifying for the team was the culmination of years of hard work, and Andrew was ecstatic, his mom said.

"I thought the boy was going to faint," Nicole said with a laugh. "He applies himself to his martial arts with 90 percent of his free time."

Andrew, who wants to be a firefighter and paramedic, has been training even harder since making the team. The schedule has been difficult, as the teen also works as a landscaper to save money for the four-day trip, which will be his first overseas trip. Watching all the hard work led Andrew's parents to decide to help him out, Nicole said.

"He's putting everything away," Nicole said of Andrew's extra income. "We're watching him, and we're doing everything we can. So we said, let's see if we can get some help for him."

The family has created a GoFundMe to help Andrew finance his trip to Rome for the championships. They are seeking $3,000 in donations. Andrew will go to Rome regardless of how successful the campaign is, Nicole said.

"We are very proud of his work ethic and his drive to succeed both on and off the mats," the GoFundMe reads. "We are asking that you please help support this young athlete on his journey toward his dream."

Nicole said the sacrifices the family is making to help their son is worth it to watch him succeed.

"How many people can say they are representing their country?" she said. "It's amazing."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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