Early Health Challenges
Ben Cotter, a schoolboy from Clydebank, faced severe lung problems from birth, requiring resuscitation multiple times. Immediately after birth, he was admitted to neonatal intensive care and was readmitted in critical condition at just four weeks old.
He was subsequently diagnosed with bronchomalacia, a condition characterized by abnormally soft airways prone to collapse. This condition caused his breathing to stop unexpectedly, and he frequently required oxygen due to lung collapses.
Passion for Karate and Sporting Achievements
Despite these health challenges, the 15-year-old maintained his involvement in sports, particularly karate, which he began practicing at the age of four. Last year, Ben earned a bronze medal at the JSKA World Karate Championships held in Matsuyama, Japan. More recently, he was crowned British Kumite champion in London.
Ben shared with BBC's Radio Scotland Breakfast that living with a medical condition has been formative for him.
"It has taught me a lot, it's shaped the person I am today,"
"but there was no point in trying to hide away from doing things because of it."
In addition to karate, Ben is an enthusiastic rugby player, an activity that would have surprised the doctors who treated him as a newborn.
Medical History and Personal Reflections
Ben recalled the uncertainty surrounding his survival and developmental milestones during infancy.
"There was a point where doctors were worried about whether I would survive and whether it would affect things like learning, and walking. I felt like I was always wearing a hospital wrist band."
He also described the early challenges he faced when starting karate.
"Even when I started karate I remember being really tired because my left lung had to do most of the work, but it's just something that's always been part of my life."
Throughout his childhood, Ben required resuscitation several times by medical teams and occasionally by his parents due to sudden breathing cessation. The lung collapses he experienced caused permanent damage.
Influence and Support
Ben's interest in karate was inspired by his father, Nicholas, a fourth degree black belt who practiced martial arts. After trying karate as a child, Ben quickly developed a strong passion for the sport.
His coach, Mike McCusker, noted Ben's initial frailty when he began training at the Hokushin Karate Academy in Glasgow.
"Ben kept turning up week after week and putting the hard work in.
We had to keep an eye on how much work he could get through during the class, but it was easy to motivate him during the week. He just joined in with everyone else.
He never looked for an excuse – he just got on with his work."
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Ben, who aspires to pursue a career in medicine, considers winning the bronze medal in Japan a significant highlight. He represented Scotland and competed against numerous teenagers worldwide. The day before the competition, he was graded Shodan, earning his first degree black belt.
"I won my first two fights in the individual competition and then in the third one I got hit in the nose. There was blood everywhere, but you just keep going.
I ended up losing that last fight to a Japanese competitor. But being at the world championships and taking home a bronze medal as a now black belt was incredible."
Currently a student at Kelvinside Academy in the West End, Ben aims to participate in another international championship in Italy next year.
He informed Radio Scotland Breakfast that his condition is now stable and he no longer requires oxygen therapy.
"I'm in the clear,"
he said.
