MOOSE JAW — For 19-year-old Cameron Billy, stepping into the ring at the World Muay Thai Festival Tournament in Verona, Italy, meant more than just a shot at a medal — it was a symbol of how far the young Indigenous athlete from Moose Jaw has come and how far he still plans to go.
Billy, who trains at Control Jiu Jitsu in Moose Jaw — an unassuming fitness gym on River Street — recently returned home from the international competition with a silver medal around his neck, representing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Canada on the world stage.
“Oh man, it was bittersweet,” he replied when asked how it felt to win silver. “I wish it was gold myself, but it still felt amazing just knowing that … I’m from the Prairies, and now I’m in Verona, Italy. It felt so amazing just to win … (and) to finally feel like my skills have been recognized.”
Billy competed in the minus-91 kilogram category, C-class, as part of a strong Canadian team that brought home more than 30 medals. Muay Thai — sometimes called “the art of eight limbs” — is a full-contact combat sport that originated in Thailand and incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Although the matches are fought individually, the camaraderie ran deep.
“I actually got to fight another Canadian (in) finals, and we got silver,” Billy said. “We both tried out in Manitoba, and we both knew each other prior to (the fight) … Then it was like, ‘Oh, now it’s me versus you.’ That was crazy.”
The path to the tournament wasn’t easy. Because Muay Thai remains illegal in Saskatchewan, Billy and his coach, Alex Dally, had to travel to Manitoba for qualifiers. He was the only fighter from the province to make Team Canada — a distinction he carries with pride.
“It felt good showing that you don’t count the Prairie boys out; we’re mean,” he said with a smile.
For Billy’s father, Riley Billy, the victory was a proud moment shared from thousands of kilometres away.
“I’m glad I was at home by myself watching the fights,” Riley said with a grin. “I was screaming and yelling at the TV when he raised his hand on his first victory. I was like, ‘Go son, you got this! Congratulations. You can’t hear me, but I’m there with you.’”
Riley spoke with emotion as he reflected on his son’s achievement. “My chest is swollen with pride; the tears are proud.”
His father said Billy’s discipline is what makes him stand out — balancing 10-hour shifts at his carpentry job, followed by up to three hours of training, six days a week.
“That’s dedication to the sport … (and) makes us so proud to see him being motivated in something that he loves without us pushing him.”
Billy was presented with a butterfly medallion that hung proudly around his neck alongside the silver medal, symbolically marking his transition into manhood. His father explained the piece was originally meant to be a tomahawk or war club, but a relative kept seeing visions of butterflies and felt compelled to change the design. Meticulously sewn by hand in the traditional way, the medallion’s beadwork also reflects the patience, focus, and long hours of training that led to Billy’s success.
He was also presented with a traditional star blanket, denoting personal milestones and transformation. A relative who was working on his blanket was unable to complete the original piece in time due to recent losses in the family. Seemingly by chance, the family found the last available blanket from a well-known quilt maker in Regina.
To their surprise, the purple fabric of the blanket was also adorned with butterflies — a final touch that, in keeping with Indigenous teachings, affirmed the gift was truly meant to be.
Next up for Billy is a planned bout at the Muay Thai World Cup in Calgary on Oct. 18. He’s also looking to take part in a training camp in Thailand — the birthplace of the sport — if he can secure sponsorship.
The moment was shared at a welcome-home event on July 4 at the Tourism Moose Jaw kiosk beside Mac the Moose, where family, friends, media, and supporters gathered to honour his achievement.
“These are the people who got me here,” Billy said appreciatively. “So to see these people who … have supported me constantly … it’s awesome.”
Control Jiu Jitsu is located at 244A River Street West and can be reached at 306-530-6287.
