Ryce Lima made history at last month’s International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation hosted tournament in Las Vegas when she became the first Bermuda-born female athlete to win a medal at an IBJJF event.

Lima fought her way through the brackets to win a gold medal in the white belt, adult, ultra heavyweight division. She was one of four competitors of Open Mat Bermuda Academy who took to the mats during the four-day, single-elimination event which attracted thousands of international participants.

James Adams earned a silver medal in the white belt, master 1, heavyweight division, while Chris Regan, the Open Mat Bermuda coach, brought home a bronze medal in the black belt, adult, nogi, heavyweight division.

The IBJJF is considered the most prominent organisation in the sport of Jiu Jitsu.