On Wednesday night, Team USA’s freestyle wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt upgraded from Japanese bronze to French gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 30-year-old Hildebrandt — who won a bronze medal in the event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — fought an unexpected opponent in her final, but still managed to come out on top.
It’s the fourth-ever women’s freestyle wrestling gold medal for the United States — and comes just one night after compatriot Amit Elor earned gold in the 68kg event. Until Tuesday, no two American female wrestlers had ever won gold at a single Olympics.
SEE MORE: USA’s elite wrestler Amit Elor wins gold at 2024 Paris Games
India’s Vinesh Phogat was initially scheduled to compete against the 30-year-old American, but failed to make weight earlier on Wednesday and was subsequently disqualified. Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez replaced Phogat in the final.
More to come …
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