In a remarkable showcase of athleticism and determination, the World Championships in Zagreb saw Helen Maroulis of the United States clinch her fourth gold medal, adding to her illustrious career. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s Genesis Reasco made history by becoming her country’s first-ever world champion in wrestling, a milestone that resonates deeply with her homeland. Reasco’s momentous victory in the 76kg final came against two-time world medalist Aiperi Medet Kyzy from Kyrgyzstan, ending in a tightly contested 4-2 finish.
Reflecting on her victory, Reasco expressed gratitude for her opponents, highlighting the rigorous battles she faced both in the semifinals and finals. “I went in, gave my all, and it worked,” she shared, emphasizing the respect she holds for the intensity of her competitors. This achievement marks a significant progression for Ecuador, following Lucia Yepez’s bronze medal at the 2022 Championships.
The evening also featured Maroulis, who overcame a recent blood vessel issue limiting her training, to narrowly defeat North Korea’s Il Sim Son in the 57kg final. Maroulis executed a last-minute takedown that sealed her victory at 3-2, reinforcing her reputation as one of wrestling’s elite.
In other notable finals, Myonggyong Won secured North Korea’s second women’s title in the tournament’s history, displaying dominance in her match against Yu Zhang from China, winning 8-2. Miwa Morikawa from Japan also triumphed, celebrating her second gold medal by defeating Alina Kasabieva with an 8-0 score in the 65kg category.
The event has marked a transformative period for Reasco, whose wrestling journey began comparatively late at age 15. Despite early struggles, her hard work culminated in her historic victory, a feat she hopes will inspire pride back in her hometown of Esmeraldas.
Maroulis’s path to her latest title came after overcoming health hurdles, as she focused on securing early finishes in her matches to offset her limited conditioning. Her decisive last-second maneuver displayed her tactical acumen and determination.
As competitions continued, the emotional atmosphere heightened with Won’s win, who, overwhelmed with gratitude for her parents’ sacrifices, shed tears during the medal ceremony. Her victory was quickly followed by Morikawa’s, who acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead while cherishing her victory.
In the bronze medal matches, Elizaveta Smirnova stunned Japan’s Remina Yoshimoto, emerging victorious at 50kg in a nail-biting finish. Other bronze medals were secured by Evin Demirhan from Turkey and several competitors in weight classes across the standings.
With her sights set on future competitions, including the upcoming Olympic Games, Morikawa vowed to use her victory as motivation for the rigorous training ahead.
As the championships continue, athletes demonstrated not only their physical prowess but the emotional depths and resilience necessary to excel in one of the world’s most demanding sports. The legacy of these events will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of wrestlers, leaving a lasting impact on their respective nations.
