Special to the LPJ
Ruston’s Owen Hebert added another major accomplishment to an already impressive year on Saturday, earning a gold medal at the AAU and SIJJF Team USA Trials to secure his place on Team USA for the SIJJF World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, September 3-6.
The victory marks Hebert’s second Team USA qualification this summer. Earlier this month, he earned a spot on the U.S. Grappling Team that will compete at the UWW Grappling World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan later this fall.
With today’s win, Hebert will represent the United States on the international stage in both Tokyo and Astana during the 2026 season.
Still just 14 years old, Hebert continues to build one of the strongest youth grappling resumes in the country. In addition to competing internationally in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling, he is also a standout wrestler at Ruston High School and trains year-round at Triad Martial Arts Academy.
“Representing Team USA is always an incredible honor,” said the Hebert family. “We’re thankful to all of the coaches, teammates, training partners, sponsors, and supporters who have helped Owen along the way. We’re excited for the opportunity to compete against the best in the world while representing our country.”
