Despite Heartbreaking Paris Olympics Loss, Helen Maroulis Still En Route to Break 32-Year Wrestling Record

Although women’s wrestling made its Olympic debut in 2004, it has since carved out a legendary legacy with unforgettable moments that have set the mat alight. This tradition is set to continue as wrestling kicked off on August 5 at the 2024 Games in Paris. Among the key storylines, America’s two-time medalist Helen Maroulis is determined to grasp gold once more, aiming to turn the tide and prove she still has what it takes to shine under the spotlight.

Well, Helen Maroulis faced numerous challenges on her journey to the Olympics. She struck first with a slick trip for two points, taking an early lead over three-time world champion Sakurai. Maroulis kept the pressure on, attempting another trip, but Sakurai countered with a four-point move to lead 4-2 at the break.

In the second period, Sakurai’s relentless attacks, including a takedown and transition to a leg lace, pushed the score to 8-2. Despite Maroulis’s final takedown attempt, it was too late to turn the tide. Sakurai clinched the win with a 10-4 score, and in doing so, did Helen Maroulis’s dream crash? Probably no.

Helen Maroulis stands just one win away from making history as the first American woman to medal in wrestling at three Olympics and the first all-around wrestler since Bruce Baumgartner claimed his third Olympic medal in 1992. At 32, Maroulis has the chance to become the first U.S. woman to win gold twice and the first to secure three Olympic medals. Despite her outstanding achievements, her journey has been fraught with numerous injuries and setbacks.

From historic victory to healing, Helen Maroulis’ injuries

Helen Maroulis, a gold medalist at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas. But she came to the limelight in 2016. As at that time, she became the first American woman to win a gold medal in wrestling.  Despite grappling with injuries leading up to the Tokyo Games, where she won the bronze medal in the 57 kg category. Her impressive record includes three world titles and seven world championship medals, cementing her legacy as a wrestling legend.

Back, in 2018 Helen Maroulis in the women’s 53-kilogram category experienced a defeat in the first round against Alyona Kolesnik from Azerbaijan, at the Wrestling World Championships held in Budapest. This unexpected loss left the wrestling community in disbelief especially considering Maroulis was expected to defend her championship title.

Not many knew back then that Maroulis was dealing with the consequences of concussions, before the championships. From 2018 to 2019 she suffered three concussions causing PTSD and a short stay in an institution, 2019.

Helen Maroulis showcased her wrestling prowess in 2021 by clinching a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and later securing her world title. Recalling her time in Tokyo she mentioned feeling a sense of liberation and well-being for the time. This year Maroulis also earned a bronze medal at her world championships expressing appreciation, for the opportunity to compete. She emphasized the significance of prioritizing well being recognizing its influence, on performance. The upcoming Paris Olympics final scheduled for August 9 promises to be an event to follow!