December 12, I competed in the 2nd FILA Grappling World Championships tournament. I was able to advance to another finals appearance and bring home another silver medal. The United States Grappling team won the team title in the Men's and Women's No-Gi Grappling as well as the Men's and Women's titles in Gi Grappling. I felt very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to represent the U.S. and this time here in Florida!
This year has been a struggle with two new babies and a three year old daughter to tend to, plus working full time and other side projects, not to mention getting injured at the end of September at another tournament. I had planned on competing in the FILA Grappling World Team Trials but was unable to because of the injury. I was however able to petition for a spot on the team...this was on November 16! Just getting to this tournament was an amazing miracle for me! I was so ecstatic when I advanced past Brazil, submitted France, and submitted Spain on the way to the finals! I thought that for sure I would be champion! I lost my finals match in a competitve decision loss. All in all I felt good about my overall performance and under the above circumstances it is a miracle to even have been competing!
I enjoyed being at "home" in the U.S. and winning another world medal and being part of my second world championship team. I understand that we may be receiving championships rings from the U.S. Grappling commitee. It's all very exciting! After years and years of sacrifice and struggle and wondering if I would ever get my shot at world level teams and medals here I am for my second year living the dream and seeing them become reality. It is definetly an experience of a life time!
This year has been a struggle with two new babies and a three year old daughter to tend to, plus working full time and other side projects, not to mention getting injured at the end of September at another tournament. I had planned on competing in the FILA Grappling World Team Trials but was unable to because of the injury. I was however able to petition for a spot on the team...this was on November 16! Just getting to this tournament was an amazing miracle for me! I was so ecstatic when I advanced past Brazil, submitted France, and submitted Spain on the way to the finals! I thought that for sure I would be champion! I lost my finals match in a competitve decision loss. All in all I felt good about my overall performance and under the above circumstances it is a miracle to even have been competing!
I enjoyed being at "home" in the U.S. and winning another world medal and being part of my second world championship team. I understand that we may be receiving championships rings from the U.S. Grappling commitee. It's all very exciting! After years and years of sacrifice and struggle and wondering if I would ever get my shot at world level teams and medals here I am for my second year living the dream and seeing them become reality. It is definetly an experience of a life time!
Good job Brandon.
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