A youthful athlete from Merritt has recently accomplished a notable feat in the realm of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, clinching a gold medal in a national competition. Ten-year-old Alexis Dawson emerged victorious in the white belt category at a championship event held in Calgary. Her triumph in this fiercely competitive sport has garnered well-deserved attention and praise.
Ashleigh Huston, the mother of Alexis, expressed her pride and excitement over her daughter’s exceptional performance at the tournament. This marked Alexis’s debut in an official jiu-jitsu competition, making her gold medal win an even more impressive accomplishment. Huston conveyed her gratitude for the valuable lessons her daughter has learned from her experience, emphasizing the positive impact on Alexis’s physical fitness and overall development.
It was revealed that Brazilian jiu-jitsu had initially been a hobby for Alexis’s father, and the family had encouraged her to explore various sports in the past without much success. However, a new opportunity arose when a local martial arts gym, Adelphi Grappling, opened in town under the management of Matt Wycotte and his 15-year-old son, Kasey Wycotte. According to Huston, Alexis was initially hesitant about attending classes at the gym, but soon developed a deep passion for the sport.
Following her enthusiastic immersion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Alexis has been diligently attending classes at the gym five days a week, showing significant progress in her skills and technique. Her coach, a 15-year-old, has played a pivotal role in her development, and the proud mother commended the remarkable growth witnessed in both Alexis and her coach. Huston highlighted the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that Alexis has honed through her dedication to jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the valuable learning opportunities provided by the sport.
Looking ahead, Alexis is gearing up for another taekwondo competition scheduled to take place in Kelowna on February 10, where she aims to further showcase her talent and determination. With her evident passion and commitment, there is no doubt that Alexis Dawson is poised to achieve even more remarkable feats in the world of martial arts.
The remarkable achievement of this young athlete serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s passion. Alexis’s success has not only brought joy to her family and supporters but has also inspired aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. As she continues to make her mark in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the promising athlete is undoubtedly destined for a bright and successful future in the world of competitive sports.