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(Video) 15-Year Old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competitor Suffers Broken Neck; Likely a Quadriplegic for Life

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The Live Leak version has a more detailed description than the YouTube one: During the semifinals of the Espírito Santo State Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 19 years old Wesley Marques was being strangled, counter attacking with putting Gabriel Diniz, 15, upside down. The young man fell on his neck and injured the third and fourth vertebrae.

Even after two surgeries - one to align the spine and another to remove bone fragments from the site - the doctors aren't sure of his recovery, or even tell if he will be able to re-move the arms and legs.

Despite his age Gabriel Diniz competed for Team Black House Conch adult category. After the incident, which took place on August 4, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation advised Espirito Santo State Jiu Jitsu Federation to not allow young people compete with the adult category titles.


This is absolutely tragic, and everyone here at Mania is hoping there will be a miracle recovery for the injured young man. Best of luck, young Mr. Diniz, you could use some of the good kind.