ABIGAIL Sangalang will punch above her weight and age when she competes at the Australian open and national taekwondo championships next month.
Abigail, of Quakers Hill, boasts an impressive fighting resume that is no surprise given the stock she comes from.
She is a two-time national champion (2005 and 2007) and her mother is a former Philippines national taekwondo team member.
But while Abigail has no doubt where her allegiance lies, she is less convinced of who would prevail in a match against her mother when she was the same age.
"I'm better technically but she's tougher mentally," Abigail said. "I'm a nice person and I shake hands after my fights but she is more strong-minded.
"Maybe she would win but I'd be a bit quicker — she thinks I'm better than her when she was my age.
"I definitely do want to represent Australia.
"I came here from the Philippines when I was six months old and I have grown up here."
The year nine student is entitled to be scared as she prepares for her first open-age tournament, but there is nothing like advice from two Olympians to settle the nerves.
Abigail spends her days surrounded by fellow students at Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta.
Outside the school walls, she runs in the same circles as 2012 taekwondo Olympians Carmen Marton and Safwan Khalil.
The duo also helps her out with more than just fighting techniques.
"They have taught me to love sport and if you don't enjoy it, then don't do it," she said.