Bermuda’s competitors began taking part in the 11th Pan American Wushu Championships in Texas.
Zain Philpott was the first Bermuda fighter to hit the lei tai but unfortunately went down 2 rounds to 0 to against of USA.
Sentwali Woolridge only needed one round to defeat Argentina’s Maximiliano Boyer to earn a spot the Final against Brazil. Woolridge punished his opponent with leg kicks which left him unable to continue after the first round. Woolridge was awarded ultimate victory.
Keanu Wilson also won his fight 2 rounds to 0 against USA’s Tomas Rios utilizing some great takedowns. Wilson fatigued towards the end of the second round but had accumulated enough points to hang on for the victory.
Both Talia Iris and Krista Dyer represented the Bermuda Wushu Team on in bouts 6 and 7 of the championships opening sessions.
Iris was up first against USA’s Morganne Thompson and in a very competitive match Iris went down 2 rounds to 1 to settle for the Silver Medal. Iris lost the first round, came back in the second round with a win but then went down in the decisive third round.
Dyer competed in the next match against Emily Dias also of USA. Dyer started off strong winning the first round. She went down in the second round setting up for a third and final round. Fatigue played a factor and Dyer went down in the third round with Dias the victor 2 rounds to 1.
Bermuda’s third female athlete Chaquita Simmons did not compete as her registered opponent withdrew from the competition and as a result Simmons will receive the Gold Medal.