OpenMat Athletes Win 11 Medals In Toronto
[Written by Stephen Wright]
OpenMat Bermuda will return to the island with 11 medals from the Grappling Industries Toronto Gi & No Gi Round Robin Tournament.
The island’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy won four gold, three silver, and four bronze medals at the competition at the weekend.
It was a marked improvement on their medal haul last year when they claimed one gold, three silver, and two bronze.
OpenMat sent 16 athletes to the tournament, eight adults and eight juniors, with Ashley Dyer winning double gold in the Gi and No Gi female adult beginner, white belt, 155lbs division.
Also winning gold was Ramazan Ramazanov in the Gi male master 30-plus, white belt, 215lbs division, and Keegan Dyer in the Gi female 14 to 15, yellow/orange belt, 105lbs division.
The silver medal winners were Olivia Buchanan in the Gi and No Gi female 16 to 17 beginner white belt, 135lbs division, and Keegan Dyer in the No Gi female 14 to 15 advanced yellow/orange belt, 105lbs division.
Winning bronze were Gaia Angeli in the Gi female, grey belt 12 to 13 years, 125lbs, Thomas Melsom in the Gi male, grey belt 12 to 13 years 155lbs, Elias Angeli in the Gi male 8 to 9 years, white belt, 85lbs division, and Ramazanov in the Absolute Gi male master 30-plus, white belt, 215lbs division.
Aaron Dyer, the OpenMat founder, said he was thrilled with the team’s performance and admits it was emotional to watch two of his daughters, Ashley and Keegan, win gold. Ashley also earned her promotion to blue belt.
“It was an overwhelming day, especially for two of my daughters to win gold medals. It was a tearjerker!” Dyer told Bernews.
“We trained hard, and we always aim for medals, but to hit the target was superb. It was great to see the hard work pay off.
“It was also a great experience for those who didn’t win medals. Something special is happening in jiu-jitsu in Bermuda.”
OpenMat’s athletes will now turn their attentions towards the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Kissimmee, Florida, in March.
