Quick show of hands: How many folks reading this article are world champions?

We’re talking literally, now. Not “a world-champion so-and-so” or “world champion” of Rick’s 10th annual backyard-barbecue Jarts competition, (which isn’t even a thing.)

The Kane County Board recognized a real-life world champion Tuesday, when County Board member Kurt Kojzarek read a resolution and presented a plaque to Gilberts resident Meryl Swidler in a brief ceremony during the “new and unfinished business” part of the full County Board meeting. One of the things Kane County likes to do is recognize “extraordinary young adults whose dedication and achievements serve as inspiration for others in the community.”

Swidler definitely qualifies.

She is the 2013 and 2014 reigning National Champion and 2013 World Champion in Creative Forms, Creative Weapons and Extreme Forms through the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission. And on top of that, the 2014 U.S. National Championship Gold Medal winner for Low Kick, Girls 16-17 years through the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations.

If I’ve got the right website, WAKO USA is the United States’ division of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations and the governing body of amateur kickboxing sport certified by Sport Accord. Kickboxing will be on display as part of the next edition of the World Games in 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland. (And that is, as the kids say these days, “a thing.”)

Kojzarek said he’s a neighbor of the Swidlers and very proud of Meryl’s achievements. He added that, thanks to her, “I think we might have the safest neighborhood in Kane County.”

More photos are in the gallery above, a YouTube video of Meryl in action is presented below, along with the full text of good ol’ RESOLUTION NO. 15 – 17.

RECOGNIZING 2014 WAKO GOLD MEDAL WINNER MERYL SWIDLER

WHEREAS, the County of Kane recognizes extraordinary young adults whose dedication and achievements serve as inspiration for others in the community; and

WHEREAS, Gilberts resident Meryl Swidler has achieved the rank of 2nd degree black belt; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Swidler is the 2013 and 2014 reigning National Champion and 2013 World Champion in Creative Forms, Creative Weapons and Extreme Forms through the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC); and

WHEREAS, Ms. Swidler is the 2014 U.S. National Championship Gold Medal winner for Low Kick, Girls 16-17 years through the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County of Kane commends Meryl Swidler for the dedication, personal training, and commitment to achieving these national and international awards.

Passed by the Kane County Board on February 10, 2015.