IOWA CITY, Iowa — On Tuesday, 2024 Olympian Kennedy Blades announced that she has committed to the University of Iowa women’s wrestling program for the upcoming season.
Blades announced her commitment to Iowa on Instagram saying “I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be a Hawkeye! Can’t wait to represent Iowa and for the journey ahead.”
The Chicago native is no stranger to a world stage, at the U20 World Championship in 2021 she brought home a gold medal at 72kg and in 2023 secured a bronze medal at 76kg. At U23 Worlds in 2023 Blades brought home a silver medal at 76kg.
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Some of her other accomplishments include:
- Being the first girl to take second place at the 2020 US Olympic Trials at only 17-years-old.
- Was the first girl to win an Illinois state championship while competing against boys in 2016.
- Defeating six-time world champion and 2020 Olympic medalist Adeline Gray at this year’s Olympic Trials.
Blades will be representing Team USA at 76kg. Matches for the 76kg weight class are scheduled for Saturday, August 10, with preliminary rounds starting at 4 a.m. CT. On Sunday, August 11 76kg repechage and medal matches will begin at 4 p.m. CT.