Additional Coverage:
- Amit Elor, 20, becomes youngest U.S. wrestler to win Olympic gold by claiming women’s 68 kg class (newsbreak.com)
PARIS — American wrestler Amit Elor experienced a nostalgic moment as she grasped what it meant to win an Olympic gold medal, recognizing the enormous leap from her humble beginnings in the sport to standing on the world’s ultimate stage.
At just 20 years old, Elor secured her place in the history books by becoming the youngest U.S. wrestler, regardless of gender, to claim Olympic gold. She achieved this milestone in the women’s 68-kilogram category at the Paris Games, defeating Kyrgyzstan’s Meerim Zhumanazarova with a score of 3-0.
“I’m still in disbelief,” Elor confessed, acknowledging a hint of impostor syndrome despite her victory.
Elor’s path to gold was marked by overwhelming dominance, racking up a 31-2 score across four matches, with none of her opponents scoring against her in the final three bouts. She joined the ranks of Helen Maroulis and Tamyra Mensah-Stock, becoming only the third American woman to win an Olympic gold in wrestling since the sport was introduced for women in the 2004 Games.
Celebrating her victory, Elor joyfully draped the U.S. flag around her shoulders and pranced around the mat. “It was one of the best moments in my life,” she remarked.
“I think I’ll remember it for the entirety of my life. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
Elor credits her success to a mindset of simplicity and focus, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort rather than overthinking during critical moments. “Just because it’s the Olympics versus trials, we should always be giving it our all,” she explained.
Already a two-time world champion by the age of 18, the Northern California native is setting her sights on future glory, particularly the opportunity to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, which would allow her to represent her country and home state on a familiar turf. “To have the opportunity to compete in my own state is incredible,” Elor shared enthusiastically.