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Okanagan teen grapples for gold at Pan-American jiu-jitsu competition

Lillatron, the brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete, claimed gold in the purple belt medium division
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Vernon’s Lillian Marchand, who is also a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, is continuing her dominance in the BJJ space, winning gold and silver at the Pan-Am competition in Florida. (Lillian Marchand Instagram)

Vernon’s Lillian Marchand continues to dominate the Brazilian jiu-jitsu world.

The 17-year-old won Pan-American gold with her performance in the purple belt, medium-heavy division.

The competition, hosted in Florida, USA was the championship for North, South and Central American countries, hosted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).

Marchand, affectionately known as Lillatron, also claimed a silver medal in the open-class division.

Her conquests follow up an equally-impressive stint at the European Championships back in January.

Marchand won the gold in Europe, getting five straight submissions.

Last season, her final in the youth division, Marchand became the first female Canadian to accomplish the Grand Slam, winning all four major championships.

In the IBJJF rankings, Marchand is 26th overall in the female purple Gi division, a remarkable ranking considering she is in the adult division for the first time.

Next up for the Lillatron will be the Brasileiro Championships, hosted in Brazil in April.

READ MORE: Vernon martial artist concourir à Paris

READ MORE: Vernon’s Lillian Marchand rewriting the history books in Brazilian jiu-jitsu



Bowen Assman

About the Author: Bowen Assman

I joined The Morning Star team in January 2023 as a reporter. Before that, I spent 10 months covering sports in Kelowna.
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