Holly Wigg (18) has been invited to compete in the Association of National Olympic Committee's Beach Games in Qatar from October 12 to 16.
That is a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympic Games next year.
The invitation has come four years earlier than Wigg ever hoped - her mind was on Paris 2024.
"It's pretty much a big dream ... I couldn't really believe it."
She will be up against the world's best, but is delighted to have a chance of being one of the first karate exponents to compete at an Olympics, included for the first time next year, and in the country where the sport was born.
Wigg is New Zealand's number one female karate champ, having earlier this year won the New Zealand Open and under-21 kata (form) titles, as well as placing second in the open kumite (sparring), and with a string of junior Australasian and Oceania titles to her credit.
She began karate at the age of 5.
"I've pretty much centred everything around it but even though it's sport, it's helped me through school and everything ... being able to be determined and I'm always making sure I'm organised.
"It's been a big help with everything in life."
Wigg, who is studying health sciences in Auckland this year, is one of two New Zealand women and two New Zealand men competing in Qatar, and is busy raising funds through her Givealittle page.
