#WorldRefugeeDay

World Refugee Day 2021

Sunday, June 20, 2021 - 12:49 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 20) — Today, in cooperation with UNHCR and the International Olympic Committee, United World Wrestling stands together with refugees across the world in raising awareness for those who continue to preserve while searching for a brighter future -- including wrestling’s own Aker AL-OBAIDI.

Last week, Al-Obaidi was named to the IOC Refugee Team for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The Iraqi-refugee currently resides and wrestles in Austria and will compete in his first Olympic Games this August. "This is one of the most beautiful moments in my life, said Al-Obaidi. "I am so happy that this dream has come true. I have imagined this situation so many times. Now I will do everything to be well prepared in Tokyo!“

After the announcement, United World Wrestling’s President, Mr. Nenad LALOVIC said, “We are proud of Aker, He has worked hard to achieve his goals on and off the mat. We are in full support of his career and share in his excitement for competing in Tokyo this summer.”

To learn more about World Refugee Day, visit: https://www.unhcr.org/world-refugee-day.html
 

 

#USAWrestling

Paris Olympic champ Hildebrandt announces retirement

Monday, February 17, 2025 - 06:26 By Vinay Siwach

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COLRADO, United States (February 17) -- Olympic champion Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) has announced her retirement from wrestling.

The 31-year-old won gold in Women's Wrestling 50kg at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is also a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics. At the World Championships, Hildebrandt won two silver (2018, 2021) and two bronze medals (2022, 2023).

Her decision was accompanied with an announcement from USA Wrestling that Hildebrandt will be joining as the assistant coach for Women's Wrestling with senior women's team.

“I have had a really long career and I’ve gotten the experience of what wrestling has taught me," Hildebrandt said. "It has made me so passionate about what this sport can do for people. If I can bring a passion and energy in support of their journey, kind of a door handle to open up their own adventure, that is exciting to me. Wrestling has given me so much. The sport has taught me everything about myself and helped me grow as a woman."

Hildebrandt made her debut at the U20 World Championships in 2010 at 55kg and remained a 53-55kg wrestler for long. At the 2019 World Championships, Hildebrandt failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics at 53kg and made the move to 50kg and qualified.

She went on to have one of most successful careers at 50kg, becoming the fourth Olympic champion for the United States in Women's Wrestling. She is only the second wrestler to win multiple medals at the Olympics for the U.S. after Helen MAROULIS (USA), who has three.

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