A World Champion in Taekwondo, a rising star in kickboxing and now preparing for her first UK Title fight. Meet Lexie Burke.
At just 16 years old, Lexie Burke is already writing the script of what it means to be a young athlete in Ireland. Her story begins in a Taekwondo class at the age of four, watching her older brother train and begging to join in.
From the tight-knit training halls of Dublin to the world stage, Lexie has amassed accolades most athletes twice her age would envy. She’s a National and World Champion in Taekwondo and an emerging force in kickboxing, a discipline she took up simply because she “loved to fight.”
Now, as she prepares for her first UK Title fight under full-contact rules, Lexie’s ambitions seem boundless. “I want to become a multiple World and European Champion."
How did you first get into martial arts, and what do you remember about your first class?
I first started Taekwondo when I was 4 years old. I was watching my brother do the classes and really wanted to join. I just remember being so excited to join in and loving every second of it.
You’re already a National and World Champion—what’s been your favorite win so far and why?
My favorite win so far has to be the quarter-final of the World Championship. I was losing most of the fight and managed to pull it back to a draw in the last second from pure determination. I then won the extra time 4-0. It meant so much to me to then go on to win the Worlds and to have my mum, dad, and brother there supporting me was an unbelievable experience. It also showed me to never give up.
Why did you decide to take up kickboxing alongside Taekwondo?
I decided to take up kickboxing because I genuinely loved to fight, and kickboxing gave me more chances to do that. I haven’t looked back since.
What’s your dream?
My dream is to become a multiple World and European Champion in both Taekwondo and kickboxing. I’d also love to win the European Olympic Games in kickboxing and fight in the Olympics if it gets accepted as a new sport.
How do you stay focused during such intense training?
Training at such a high level is hard. You miss out on things, and you have to keep on top of your nutrition and recovery consistently, but it’s all worth it for the feeling you have when you get in the ring. I also have the best teammates and coaches to keep me focused at KKC Cabra/Santry and Fingal Taekwondo.
Do you have any pre-fight rituals or things you do to get pumped up?
Before I fight, I like to listen to music while I warm up. I also remind myself of all the work I’ve put in, how prepared I am, and that gets me ready to go.
How does it feel to be fighting for the UK Title?
I am really excited for my fight in the UK as it’s the first time I’m fighting for a title under full-contact rules. I’m hoping it will open up more similar opportunities for me in the future.
How are you preparing for the fight?
I’ve prepared for the fight by training as much as possible, analysing the girl I’m going to fight, and doing some specifically adapted drills to suit the style of my opponent.
