Super Tristan Smith retains his world crown
A teenage fighter from Shifnal is celebrating after becoming a world champion for the second year running.
Tristan Smith might only be 13 years-old but has already collected an impressive haul of titles.
He won gold yet again at the Pan American Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in California.
The win, which saw Smith beat two opponents by submission, follows similar success at last year's European Championships and he is now ranked No 1 in the world in his age group.
Proud mother Sam said: "Tristan did superbly. Last year he beat both of his opponents in the space of about 30 seconds and this year he wasn't troubled at all.
"It was a tough trip, a long flight followed by lots of training and then the competition, but Tristan took it all in his stride.
"He trains really hard, he went there wanting gold and he got it. He deserves it because of his commitment and the effort he puts in."
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a combat sport which focuses on grappling and ground fighting.
After initially taking up karate at the age of four, Smith is now part of the UK BJJ Youth Squad and splits his training time between the family run Combat Athlete Academy in Ketley and Walsall's Gracie Barra gym.
His sights are now set on next month's National Championships, while he will also defend his European title in Germany later in the year.
Sam added: "He enjoys training, has learned a good deal of discipline and gained confidence from the sport.
"He wants to keep competing internationally and see where it goes. We have funded it all ourselves but we are on the lookout for sponsorship."
