Mapleton’s Zoe Mariani wins ACT jiu jitsu title

Zoe Mariani and coach Dean Liebenberg, who runs the Vermelho Jiu Jitsu gym at Yandina, celebrate the achievement.

Earlier this month, Mapleton resident Zoe Mariani achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Gold Medal at the ACT BJJ (Brazilian jiu jitsu) Championship. 

This victory came after a controversial disqualification in the Queensland State Championship the previous week, where a referee’s error initially cost Zoe the chance for a title in her home state. 

Despite this setback, a resilient Zoe travelled to the Nation’s Capital and secured gold against an older and heavier opponent.

The Sandberg family, who were highlighted in our coverage last year, also continued their success, with one of the children, Tulley, becoming Queensland State Champion for the second year in a row. 

Both Zoe and the Sandbergs train under Instructor Dean Liebenberg at Vermelho BJJ academy in Yandina, showcasing the high level of talent and dedication within our community.

Zoe Mariani and her team mates Tulley and Maya Sandberg are continuing with their preparations to compete in the upcoming AJJC 2024 - Australian National Championship to be held in Melbourne in August.

Congratulations to Zoe and all our local BJJ athletes for their outstanding achievements.