A Nanaimo jiu-jitsu athlete earned some 'sweet vindication' with a victory at a professional Battle Grappling card in the United States this month.
Sarah Kolybaba of Island Top Team won her adult advanced 'superfight' at the Feb. 1 event in Bellingham, Wash.
Instructor Rob Biernacki said in a press release that Kolybaba left a "clear and easy decision" for the judges to win her fight, and said the win was noteworthy in that it came against an opponent who had beaten Kolybaba the last time they fought.
"Coming back a few months later to prove she had a lot more to give was very satisfying for her, and for our coaching staff, who know what she is capable of," Biernacki said.
He added that Kolybaba is the first female athlete from Island Top Team to win a superfight at a pro grappling event.
