Jiu-jitsu: Double European gold for Hayley Curtis

Island fighter secures successes in Rome

One of the Isle of Man's martial arts competitors has claimed two gold medals in European competition.

Hayley Curtis of Summit Grappling Academy secured both Absolute and Division top spots at this year's IBJJF European No-Gi Championships in Rome, Italy which are taking place throughout this week between Wednesday and Sunday (29 October- 2 November).

Both successes came in the Master 3 divisions with Curtis taking top spot in the purple belt feather class up firstly with a win over Vanessa Petitfils.

This was the Isle of Man competitor's first European title following multiple silver and bronze medals since 2022.

The additional gold came in the purple belt open class where - after a bye in the opening round - the Island fighter overcame Angelique Puaud to progress to the last two before claiming victory in the final against reigning Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Champion and 2025 IBJJF European Lightweight Champion, Hend Rezk.

Summit Grappling Academy says Curtis becomes the first person from the Isle of Man to achieve two gold medals at the championships, adding the achievements come after 'a year of injuries and adversity.'