At 17, Jiu-Jitsu athlete reaches the top of the podium in Long Beach with support from the Government of Pará

The Pará athlete Ricardo Filho, 17 years old, better known as "Zito", shone once again on the international mats. The young athlete won the two-time world youth super heavyweight championship in Jiu-Jitsu at the blue belt level during the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) World Championship, held from May 29 to June 1 at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California (USA) — one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world in the sport.

With this achievement, Zito becomes the first two-time world youth champion from Pará in the history of the competition, reaffirming the talent and strength of Jiu-Jitsu from Pará on the global stage. The athlete received support from the State Government, through the State Secretariat of Sports and Leisure (Seel).

Impressive resume

Despite his young age, Zito already has a history of great achievements:

- Two-time IBJJF World Youth Champion

- Four-time Brazilian Champion

- Pan-American Champion

- Four-time South American Champion

- Two-time Pan Kids Champion (IBJJF - California, USA)

- 11-time Pará Champion

- Champion of The Guest Kids belt

- Two-time Prime International Jiu-Jitsu Champion

"I am very happy with the two-time world championship, the result of a lot of work, preparation, nutrition, and psychological training. Everything went as planned. I sincerely thank Seel and the State Government, because without their support I wouldn't have been able to travel," said the athlete, emotionally.

Institutional support for sports

The Seel secretary, Cássio Andrade, celebrated the victory and highlighted the state's sports incentive policy:

“What a wonderful achievement! It is proof of the strength of Pará's sports in the biggest competitions in the world. The Government of Pará, through Seel, values and invests in our athletes so that they shine and carry the flag of Pará to national and international podiums.”

Present at the event, Munnyck Gomes, the athlete's mother, also thanked the institutional support:

“It is a huge emotion to see my son as a two-time world champion. This result is the result of a lot of effort, support from family and friends — and, of course, from the State Government and Seel. Without this support, it wouldn't have been possible. It is essential that they continue to pay close attention to competitive athletes,” she concluded.