#Trnava2018

Steveson Still Improving After Three World Titles

By Eric Olanowski

TRNAVA, Slovakia (September 21) - It’s hard to believe that Gable STEVESON (USA) is still improving after winning three world titles, but he stood outside Trnava’s City Sports Hall and said it’s possible. 

“I’m stronger, quicker and my endurance is better than ever, but I’m still growing," said Steveson. “I look at myself as the second-place guy, and that’s how I’m approaching every practice. Even though I’ve reached the top, I still train like I’m behind somebody.” 

With two years of junior eligibility left, Steveson’s comes to Slovakia chasing his fourth age-level world title. 

No doubt that he enters the 2018 Junior World Championships with a target on his back and he knows it. “I love having the target on my back. A lot of people have tried to hit the target, but as of right now, everyone has missed.” 

Gable STEVESON (USA) carries the American flag after winning the 2017 junior world title. (Photo by Marion Stein) 

The 18-year-old will wrestle Saturday, with the potential to wrestle in Sunday night's 125kg gold-medal bout, in what may be his last age-level match ever. 

“I’m shooting for six (world titles), but with Tokyo 2020 right around the corner, I plan on bumping up to the senior-level next year and making USA's world team,” said Steveson. "I’m always looking ahead, and looking ahead means the 2020 Olympic Games. That’s a big goal for me, an Olympic gold." 

Ending, on Wednesday night, Steveson stood behind the entry tunnel and watched Russia’s Aleksanr KOMAROV win his fourth age-level world title. But that didn’t change Steveson’s mind as to who's the most dominant age-level wrestler in the world. When asked his thoughts regarding who holds the No. 1 spot for world dominance, Steveson’s gave a one-word answer, “Me.” 

#WrestleZagreb

WATCH: Helen Maroulis, the comeback queen

By United World Wrestling Press

ZAGREB, Croatia (November 17) — Helen MAROULIS (USA), who last won gold at World Championships in 2021, came to Zagreb as one of the favorites to win gold at 57kg.

However, the 2016 Olympic champion wasn’t the favorite.

WATCH: Helen Maroulis, the comeback queen

Maroulis reached the final in Zagreb at 57kg rather easily. Facing Il Sim SON (PRK) in the final, Maroulis was down 2-1 and needed a magic move for a win.

With barely 10 seconds remaining in the final, Maroulis hit a trip to get a takedown and win the final 3-2, claiming her fourth world title.

The win marked a crucial point in Maroulis’ career as she had thought of calling it time on her career but decided to return at the Budapest Ranking Series in July and became a world champion in September.