When it comes to the world of women’s wrestling, one name has made it to everybody’s radar after her Paris Olympics win. And that is none other than Amit Elor. The California girl did not just win at the Games; she became the youngest wrestler from Team USA to win a Gold. And guess what? It was Elor’s first Olympics! But her journey to the top has not been a pretty one. Recently, she went on to talk about the downfalls of being a woman in wrestling.

Elor first stepped onto the Walnut Creek, California, mats when she was just four years old. Additionally, she comes from a family of athletes. Her brothers Ronny and Orry have both won USA Wrestling Junior National titles. So, the world of wrestling was never something new to her. Despite the legacy that was in place, Amit Elor often felt out of place.

Over the years, she has been part of many esteemed clubs, including the New York City Regional Training Center and the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club. Yet, she never felt like she belonged. Elor, in a recent interview with Bo Nickal, went on to reveal, “I mean, I definitely had my share of wrestling clubs that I felt like I didn’t belong to or I felt like I wasn’t included.” However, Elor’s experience wasn’t a unique one.

It is the sad reality of trying to make space in a male-dominated sport. Elor went on to recall how, “There were a lot of competitions, too. I struggled to have a coach in my corner sometimes; my older sister or older brother would just step in.” Elor further revealed how sometimes it got worse, where even her competitors would back out!

“I definitely had wrestling partners that hated wrestling with me. They would find any excuse they could, whether it was an injury, going to the bathroom, talking to a friend, or running away from me. So, I just didn’t feel accepted,” added Elor. However, she also acknowledged that there are technical differences when it comes to the intersection of wrestling and gender. Who would have known that these differences were going to be a driving factor?

As Elor herself puts it, “I know it is difficult to wrestle a girl, but we are both wrestlers, and it is a sport, and it is technical. I did deal with a lot of that growing up, but I think that just pushed me to work even harder and just prove myself.” That drive for winning got her two World Championship titles and two U23 World Championships titles. But it doesn’t stop there!

Amit Elor had a goal. “I wanted to prove that I am a wrestler, that I deserved to be there, and that I am just as good as they are as far as deserving to be there. I also have that competitive aspect of my personality that comes in there, too, so I’ve faced that over the years.” And at the Paris Olympics, she did exactly that! At 20, Amit Elor went on to win the gold in the 68 kg category! After overcoming the bouts of adversity, Elor is already planning her next win.

Unstoppable as ever, Amit Elor is on the hunt again

Now that Amit Elor has already etched her name into the books of history. The queen has already set her eyes on the next mission. Her goal? LA, 2028! Elor has no plan on leaning on laurels; she is instead prepping for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. “Other than becoming an Olympic champion, my biggest dream of all time is to go to the 2028 Olympics,” said Elor. But why is she so eager? It’s the homeland dream!

And to make it even more special, it is happening in her hometown. “To have the opportunity to compete and represent not only my country but my state is incredible,” she said. In a European turf, we saw the queen rule. Just imagine what she could bring to the mat on a familiar turf! And that’s the plan for Amit Elor, folks! As she continues to conquer, one thing is granted- the world can expect great things from Amit Elor.