The Iowa Hawkeyes have one last shot at wrestling gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but it’s coming from an unexpected source. Kennedy Blades, who joined the Hawkeyes in July after competing with the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club and attending Arizona State University, has emerged as their top contender. Blades, 20, punched her ticket to the Olympics in April by defeating Adeline Gray, a six-time World champion and 2020 Olympic silver medalist. 

A Junior World champion in 2021, Blades had never made a senior-level team until now. “This was honestly my goal since I was seven. 2024 was definitely my goal,” Blades shared. “I’ve never even made a Senior World team, so it’s just amazing to think I made an Olympic team.” In her Olympic debut, Blades wasted no time making her presence felt. She scored the first takedown, going up 2-0, then tossed her Romanian opponent Catalina Axente for four points, leading 6-0 at the break.

After the break, Blades executed a big back suplex, adding five more points to close the match with an 11-0 tech-fall victory. “Unfortunately, it was a painfully awkward landing,” Jordan Burroughs posted on his X account, urging, “Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers,” as the opponent was stretchered out of the arena. The incident cast a shadow over a strong start for Blades in Paris.

During her early academic years, Kennedy Blades joined the Martinez Fox Valley Elite Wrestling Club, where she trained alongside the boys. Veteran youth coach Jose Martinez was impressed by Blades and her younger sister, Korina. “Kennedy was just meant out there,” Martinez told the Tribune. However, the first opening round match did not go as planned. Her coach knew her positive attitude towards the game would take her far. Then, after so much dedication and determination, she finally came to Paris. 

Kennedy Blades struggled to appreciate her seminal victory thoroughly, as her main goal was Olympic gold. Hence, after winning the trials, she only faced the media with a bare smile. “I felt there’s something more that I wanted,” she expressed with a void in her chest to AP News. Kennedy Blades has a notable advantage over her competitors with her height of 1.8 meters, setting her apart from teammates like Kayla Miracle and Adeline Gray. She is confident in her height and believes it allows her to catch opponents off guard. Her extraordinary quickness and reach give her an edge in speed and technique.

Blades now aims for gold and shared with Olympics.com her desire to “finish the job and become a gold medalist, not only an Olympian.” Her family supports her every step of the way, including her sister Korina, who competes in wrestling at 62 kg. Because of injury, she had to step back, making it more important for Kennedy to get the crown.“Even though she can’t be there physically, training with me, she’s still in the room watching. And she’s just helping me get through really tough times.” Kenny said with a deep voice to Olympics.com.  But, this sudden incident has raised a question in her journey, not only in the Olympics, but also outside of it. Her dream of Olympic glory is now hanging in the balance even if she has come this far after giving outstanding performances.

Kennedy Blades: Wrestling’s next big name!

Blades has shown excellence on the mat for many seasons now. In 2016, the Chicago native made history as the first wrestler from Illinois to claim an Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation title against boys. However, she came up short against Mensah-Stock in the showdown of the Tokyo Olympic Trials in 2021, though just a teenager of 17 years at the time, before soon thereafter capturing a junior world championship crown before year’s end.

While the trial encounter with Mensah-Stock saw her outmatched, it was an educational experience that helped her chart the course toward greater success in Paris. The loss provided valuable lessons that would aid her in pursuing the highest honor on the sport’s grandest stage. “I did get some shots on her, so my technique and everything’s right there, I think I just needed to mature a little bit.” she said to AB News after the match. She openly talked about preparation as she continued saying how she has been working on becoming mature at wrestling so that she can compete smartly.

The young wrestler spent her preparation learning new techniques to refine her skills. She proudly represents various groups in women’s freestyle wrestling, aiming to inspire young people and women. Blades also values the role her sister plays in her training. She told AP News, “It’s always nice because having each other, we kind of make each other a better version by competing.” This support has helped her grow both professionally and mentally. With her debut at the Paris Olympics marked by a dramatic twist due to her opponent’s injury, Blades’ journey is off to a memorable start. As she continues to push forward, fans hope for a bright future and many more exciting moments in her wrestling career.