By Charlie Penwick
With the conclusion of the IFMA World Championships, USA Muaythai can look back on the Abu Dhabi tournament with pride. Amateur Muaythai was in the spotlight in the run-up to the World Games and, hopefully soon, the Olympics. The tournament as a whole was a success, with educational clinics for attendees and hundreds of outstanding fights over the course of two weeks.
USA Muaythai had an outstanding performance and earned a total of three medals, two golds and one silver. Additionally, new records were set and accolades were awarded.
Young athlete Tierra Brandt fought her way to gold at 57kg U23, showing all of the potential that the team knew she had and earning her third gold medal. She also was dubbed the “2022 IFMA Outstanding Female Of The Tournament.”
Angela Bahr had a hard-fought battle with Morocco in the finals, ultimately taking home the silver medal for her efforts. It was an incredible showing for her first IFMA.
Finally, Aaron Ortiz made USA Muaythai history by being the first male American athlete to bring home a gold in the elite division, beating Kazakhstan in the finals. This is Ortiz’s second IFMA in a row that he brings home a gold medal to Massachusetts.
Overall, the tournament saw an excellent showing from USA Muaythai, and the USMF is proud of each of the athletes and team members it sent to Abu Dhabi for this historic Muaythai World Championships. The USMF would like to thank all of those who supported the team during the Championships.
Next up is the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama beginning on July 7th!