Lucas Pinheiro is having a golden season, literally. In only six months, the Atos black belt has already won 10 gold medals. The last two were achieved this past weekend, when he won double gold at the American National tournament (gi and no-gi).

“This was my second American National title, both in gi and no-gi. I am very happy that I reached 10 gold medals in six months. Last year I reached that number of medals in a year, and now it already earned it in only six months. This is very gratifying for me,” Lucas said. 

In June, Pinheiro went on a marathon tour of Mexico and Brazil. Once he got back in the United States, Lucas spent only four days in Dallas, where he currently resides, before heading to Las Vegas. 

“This month has been good for me, I'm really happy with everything that is happening in my life. I was in Brazil, where I fought and won the Rio Open. On the Saturday before American Nationals I arrived in Dallas, and immediately started to train and teach. Four days later, I already traveled to Las Vegas. On Thursday, I woke up at 6am to work as a referee in the American National tournament. On this same day, I fought the tournament and won my opponent by submitting him after doing 12-0 in a no-gi match. Then I returned to work as a referee,” he said.

An opponent in need 

A day after competing the no-gi, Lucas returned to the gymnasium this time to compete in the gi when he faced an unusual situation. Despite having four athletes enrolled in his division, he almost didn’t get to have any matches. 

After two athletes in his division did not make weight, the remaining opponent was overweight and was only able to step on the mat because Lucas loaned him his spare gi so he could weigh-in. 

“My opponent was overweight and I was going to win a medal without a fight, which I do not appreciate. So I let him borrow my gi so we could fight. Since my sponsor's kimono is very lightweight, he managed to make weight. Thank God everything worked out. After that, I went 15-0 and then finished him. It was a pretty crazy tournament!”