RISING star Craig Zimmerman is celebrating after he scooped four gold medals and a silver at the World Martial Arts Games in Las Vegas.

The 17-year-old Yeovil College student struck gold in three divisions – grappling, sport ju-jitsu as well as grapple and strike – before clinching top prize in the overall sport ju-jitsu category. Zimmerman, who is now world champion in those three disciplines, also bagged a silver medal in the lightweight international adult team challenge against the USA.

Discussing his achievements, Zimmerman said: “I’m really glad that all the extra training sessions and early mornings over the summer paid off – it really makes it all worth it.

“I’m really pleased about going to the World Championships and winning the medals, but it feels really strange to be back. “At times, I want to keep my head down and just get on with life, but at other times I want to tell everybody about it and share how happy I am about it all. “It was a fantastic opportunity to compete in the lightweight international adult team. When they asked, I thought, I can’t say no to that sort of offer!”

Zimmerman, whose lives in Milborne Port, near Sherborne, hopes to train as a teacher in the future and is already involved in major projects designed to promote sporting activity for young people.

In terms of his sporting exploits, Zimmerman is focusing on the Senior National Championships in November, followed by the European Championships next August. Coach and Yeovil College lecturer Kath Purnell added: “In this prestigious contest, Craig took on some of the best competitors from countries around the world and did us all proud. “He’s put in hours of training since being selected for the team in April and had really pushed himself mentally and physically to reach the peak condition needed to achieve such amazing success.

“Craig is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He is an exemplary role model to younger members of his club and young people in general.

“We’re both very grateful to Yeovil College for its continued support and for the financial support provided by it and other sponsors.”