Yesterday, Travis Stevens became the first American male judo athlete to win Olympic silver in 24 years, and prominent figures from both the judo and jiu-jitsu communities rushed to congratulate him.

Stevens, who competed in the -81kg category, is a black belt in both grappling arts and trains with the Renzo Gracie team. 

Much has been said of Stevens' effective groundwork on his journey to the podium. Two of the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalist's matches were won with decisive ground fighting techniques.

Stevens applied a beautiful choke in his semifinal match to beat the No. 1-ranked Avtandil Tchrikishvili of Georgia, and pinned Ivaylo Ivanov of Bulgaria in the quarterfinals. 

Travis Stevens (USA) celebrates winning silver in the men's judo 81kg in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

See what people had to say about Stevens' success at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

This is a FIRST for #TeamUSA! @judosilencer is bringing home #SILVER!
? ➡️ https://t.co/7rqRKZMxu5 pic.twitter.com/4fJcBT6PW4

— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) August 9, 2016

“I can tell you it is worth every sacrifice I ever made."- @judosilencer ?? ?https://t.co/7rqRKZMxu5 pic.twitter.com/XLVAEmGHo5

— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) August 10, 2016

[facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/georgesstpierre/photos/a.215454765649.283504.39734800649/10157322087875650/?type=3"]



[facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=189564688125923&set=a.113381695744223.1073741827.100012171787528&type=3"]

.@judosilencer poses with @jimmypedrousa & Big Jim after his silver medal performance in Brazil! #teamfujirio #judo pic.twitter.com/3zWRAQ4dw3

— HatashitaSports.com (@HatashitaSports) August 9, 2016

[facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1290369720975715&set=a.639167772762583.1073741826.100000080982766&type=3"]

Dedication,innumerable obstacles,warrior mind unrivaled work ethic paid off 4 @judosilencer Congrats bro,so deserved pic.twitter.com/7QNHzGkGgA

— Marti Malloy (@Martidamus) August 10, 2016