TEMPE, Ariz. - Helen Maroulis became the first American woman to win gold in wrestling Thursday in Rio when she defeated Saori Yoshida, the only woman to ever win gold in Olympic 53 kg women’s wrestling.
Some would see this as an upset, but 12 News spoke to Maroulis shortly after winning the gold medal and she says this is the culmination of all her hard work and determination.
Maroulis trained in Tempe with the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club.
12 News spent time with members of the wrestling club who have personally witnessed what she can do on the mat.
This is a huge win for Team USA and for those who know Maroulis within the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club, a partner of the ASU wrestling team.
“It was a good feeling for me, so I can’t imagine how good she felt when she was there,” said Maddie Schossow, director of operations for ASU’s wrestling team, which trains at the same gym as the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club. “It was like 10-9 and I was nervous, but once she got it I was just really excited for her."
ASU assistant wrestling coach Chris Pendleton says Helen has always been one to stand out and always trains hard. One day, her coach took the brunt of it.
“Working on her low single and she broke his nose,” Pendleton said. “Yeah, he was out for a couple months.”
“Those girls,” he added, “they are tough.”
But now she’s the first female wrestler from Team USA to win Olympic gold.
These guys and gals are sending their congrats.
“Congrats, Helen, from the Arizona State wrestling team and Sunkist,” said Schossow.
“Helen, you’ve earned everything you have gotten. I’m so proud of you,” said Pendleton.
Founder of Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club, Art Mortari, knows Helen as a smart, focused, hardworking athlete and she had to be to beat the three-time Olympic Gold medalist and 13-time world champion today.
“At the right day, at the right match, and beat her,” he said. “So proud of you, Helen,” he said. “You fulfilled your dreams and I hope we helped you in some way.”
“She’s a wonderful person and I’m so happy for her,” he said.
Mortari says he knows Helen will go on to be a great ambassador for the sport here in the U.S. and beyond.