#WrestleOslo

#WrestleOslo: Maroulis Regains World Title as Japan Goes 1 for 3 in WW Finals

By Ken Marantz

OSLO, Norway (October 8) -- Although Helen MAROULIS (USA) was unable to repeat as an Olympic gold medalist this year, she did manage to regain the title of world champion. And with a typical display of her raw power.

Maroulis manhandled Anshu MALIK (IND) for a fall in the 57kg final for her third career world title and first since 2017 as the women's competition at the World Championships in Oslo finished up Thursday night.

"Feels incredible, there's nothing like holding the flag and representing your country," Maroulis said. "One of the things about being better is that you don't get thrown around. I got thrown in the semifinal for four, but I don't mind starting things a bit slow."

Japan, which sent a young team completely devoid of Olympians, went 1 for 3 in the other finals at the Jordal Amfi arena, with Masako FURUICHI (JPN) earning a rare distinction by taking the 72kg title.

The other newly minted world champions were Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) at 59kg and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) at 68kg, neither of whom were daunted in the least by facing a Japanese opponent.

Japan, which had already clinched the team title before the night started, easily finished on top with 196 points, having won medals in nine of the 10 weight classes including four golds.

Maroulis' gold was the second for the United States, which finished second with 147 points. Mongolia got two bronze medals on the final day to edge Ukraine for third place, 78-73. India was fifth with 67.

Maroulis first made a global name for herself when she defeated the legendary Saori YOSHIDA (JPN) for the 53kg gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the Tokyo Olympics in August, she had to settle for the bronze following a semifinal loss to Risako KAWAI (JPN), who was among the four Japanese gold medalists who did not make the trip to Oslo.

Instead, Maroulis faced and defeated formidable 2019 world junior and U23 champion Sae NANJO (JPN) in the semifinals, setting up the with Malik, who had already made history by becoming India's first-ever female world finalist.

But India was left waiting for its first female world champion. After a first period limited to an activity point for Malik, Maroulis started the second period with an arm drag for a takedown, then muscled Malik over with a powerful chicken wing and arm bar to secure the fall at 3:59.

Malik would later have her arm in a sling during the medal ceremony.

Helen MAROULISHelen MAROULIS (USA) pinned Anshu MALIK (IND) to win the 57kg gold. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Maroulis said she was inspired to use the arm bar after seeing others put it to good use earlier in the tournament, including freestyle champion Thomas GILMAN (USA) and silver medalist David TAYLOR (USA).

"I was like, why don't I ever do that?" Maroulis said. "I spend so much time on my leg lace. Let me just go for the bar. I think I got it twice this tournament so it's a good move."

Maroulis revealed that she recently contracted Covid-19, which led to some uncertainty about her level of preparation.

"I got Covid exactly 13 days ago so I missed the camp, and didn't even come to Norway," Maroulis said. "I was not even allowed to leave the U.S. until my 10 days quarantine. I left on the [October] 3rd and haven't even been on the mat.

"I had no idea what to expect, hoping for the best. Just being able to compete, put a tournament and matches together, I am just very proud of that."

Maroulis, who took time off due to injuries and personal matters after failing to medal at the 2018 World Championships, said the two-month turnaround after the Tokyo Olympics did not pose a problem.

"I was so excited to do the world championships because for me, I was like, we put in all the hard work, why the heck would we take a break and be out of shape?" Maroulis said. "I missed the last two or three years. I feel fresh so I wanted to be on top of that and just keep wrestling."

Masako FuruichiMasako FURUICHI (JPN) denied Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) history and won the 72kg title in Oslo. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Furuichi, the only member of the Japan women's contingent with previous experience at a senior World Championships, became the nation's second wrestler to complete a "world grand slam" by adding the senior gold to her titles at the cadet, junior and U23 levels.

Furuichi, a 2019 world bronze medalist, stepped up to the top of podium with a 3-0 victory in the 72kg final over three-time Asian medalist Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ).

"She is an opponent I faced a number of times as a cadet, so I think we know each other well," Furuichi said. "But I wanted to win so that's why I won."

Furuichi scored early in the first period with a single-leg takedown off a counter, then added a stepout for a 3-0 lead at the break. Both wrestlers mutually defended well in the second period, and that's how it ended.

Masako FuruichiMasako FURUICHI (JPN) celebrates after winning the 72kg title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Asked what she regarded as the key to her victory, she replied simply, "Because I definitely wanted to become a world champion."

The 24-year-old Furuichi had previously made her mark on the age-group levels. She is the only wrestler to win three world titles on both the cadet (2011-13) and junior (2014-2017) levels, and added the U23 gold at 68kg in 2019.

By picking up the senior gold, Furuichi joins compatriot Haruna OKUNO (JPN) as the only wrestlers with titles on all four levels. The feat remains rare for the moment due to the fact that the world U23 only started in 2017.

Furuichi, a product of the JOC Elite Academy that produced Olympic champions Yui SUSAKI (JPN) and Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) among others, tried unsuccessfully to make Japan's team to the Tokyo Olympics at both 68kg and 76kg.

"After Tokyo is Paris, and I will work to raise my level heading to that," Furuichi said, adding, "I'll think about it from now," when asked which weight class she will make her challenge.

In the 68kg final, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Zhumanazarova joined compatriot Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) as a world champion with a victory by fall over unheralded Rin MIYAJI (JPN), who was unable to follow up on the biggest upset of the tournament.

"I don’t know how it feels," Zhumanazarova said. "But I am really happy to win."

Zhumanazarova got in on a low single and, while bending Miyaji's knee outward, locked onto an arm and rolled her through to her back. Despite Miyaji's knee being in an obviously painful position, the referee allowed the match to continue and called the fall at 2:11.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVAMeerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) pinning Rin MIYAJI (JPN) in the 68kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

A concerned Zhumanazarova helped Miyaji limp off the mat before taking a victory lap with the Kyrgyz flag.

The previous day in the semifinals, Miyaji pulled a global shocker with a 21-second fall of defending champion and Tokyo Olympic gold Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA).

It was an amazing triumph for a wrestler whose most noteworthy international accomplishment to date was a silver medal at the 2019 Asian junior championships, where she lost 8-6 to Zhumanazarova in their only previous meeting.

Zhumanazarova had been unable to be in Nursultan for the 2019 World Championships when Tynybekova became Kyrgyzstan's first female world gold medalist -- a triumph Tynybekova repeated on Wednesday.

The two went into the history books together in Tokyo by becoming the nation's first female Olympic medalists in any sport.

Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVAMeerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) after winning the 68kg title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

"Aisuluu is a leader of our team, we take her as an example," Zhumanazarova said. "In 2019, I didn’t participate at the worlds because I was injured. Aisuluu won her first world title that time. At that moment I was really happy."

As for what her accomplishments in the past two months mean, she replied, "Nothing changes for me, I just keep training."

DudovaBiyana DUDOVA (BUL) won her first-ever world title. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

In the 59kg final, Dudova, who won her fourth European title this year, added the world gold with a well-executed 6-4 victory over 2019 world 57kg junior world champion Akie HANAI (JPN).

"Japan is one of the best and this is not a secret," Dudova said. "But I was not training for this championships now but for many years. Ten years. It's not important if it's Japan, China or America. I wrestle for the gold medal till the last second."

While the Japanese women were the aggressors throughout the tournament, it was Dudova who came out firing against Hanai, whipping her down with a 4-point throw off a 2-and-1 hold.

"This is the world final and we can't take too much risk," Dudova said of the bold move. "And I told my coach before the match as a joke that I will try this technique, and I did it."

DudovaBilyana DUDOVA (BUL) scored via a counter lift. (Photo: UWW / Marin Gabor)

Dudova gained 2 more off a counter lift, from which Hanai rolled through for 2 of her own to cut the lead to 6-2.

In the second period, Dudova fended off everything Hanai threw at her, only conceding a takedown with :10 left to improve on the silver medal she won at the 2018 worlds in Budapest.

"Yesterday [Wednesday] I was saying, 'I will be champion tomorrow [Thursday],'" Dudova said. "Three years back I lost in the world championships final 3-3 to China [Rong NINGNING]. But I said I will be world champion, I will work hard and realize this dream."

For the 24-year-old Dudova, winning in Oslo has special meaning. She said she spent her youth in Norway, where she first started wrestling and even won a national title.

"I began wrestling in Norway when I was 10 and I practiced here only," she said. "I won the Norway championships as a kid. Now I am back here and won my world gold, so it's good. Norway is good for me."

Tamyra Mensah StockOlympic champion Tamyara MENSAH STOCK (USA) won a bronze medal at 68kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo) 

In the bronze-medal matches, Mensah Stock bounced back from her stunning semifinal loss to assure she would not be leaving Oslo empty-handed, storming to a 10-1 win over European bronze medalist Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE) at 68kg.

After giving up an early stepout, Mensah Stock chalked up five takedowns off a mix of attacks and counters to overwhelm Hanzlickova, who was aiming to become just the second Czech Republic woman to win a world medal -- the only other was won in 1994.

"It's really been tough since the Olympics and I really did not have the time to live in the moment, enjoy the fruits of my labor," said Mensah Stock, who also won a world bronze in 2018.

"From having Covid, to hurting my back, or to even come here and do anything. I am proud of myself. It was not like a terrible loss but it's still heartbreaking. I was able to come back."

Tokyo Olympian Khanum VELIEVA (RWF), the 2020 European champion and runner-up this year, emerged victorious in a defensive battle in the other 68kg match, holding on to edge Olivia DI BACCO (CAN) 2-1.

Velieva received an activity point in the first period, then scored with a stepout in the second. Di Bacco, the 2017 Pan Am champ, gained a stepout with :25 left, but Valieva fought off a final takedown attempt to clinch the win.

At 57kg, Nanjo came away with a bronze in her senior world debut when she finally got through the defense of European 59kg silver medalist Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RWF) to chalk up a 7-2 victory.

Trailing 3-1 in the second period, Nanjo connected on single-leg takedown, then turned Chumikova with a turk-ride for a 2-point exposure. A 2-point penalty was tacked on when the RWF wrestler pushed on her face.

It was the latest disappointment for Chukimova, who had won the Tokyo Olympic qualifying spot for Russian Wrestling Federation, only to be passed over for Valeria KOBLOVA, who herself ended up with a loss in a bronze-medal match in Tokyo.

Davaachimeg ERKHEMBAYAR (MGL) put on a furious comeback, then fought off her own back to take the other 57kg bronze with a thrilling 11-8 victory over 2020 European silver medalist Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR).

Erkhembayar, the 2020 Asian silver medalist and two-time bronze medalist, trailed 6-2 when she reeled off seven straight points. But in scoring a 2-point exposure to go up 9-6, Erkhembayar suddenly found herself on her back after Vynnyk stepped over and clamped down.

But Erkhembayar fought out of the predicament and added a counter takedown at the buzzer. Mongolia got its second bronze of the night from Shoovdor BAATARJAV (MGL), who won the third straight of her career by rallying to a 4-3 victory over 2017 world junior champion Maya NELSON (USA) at 59kg.

Baatarajav was down 0-3 in the second period when she scored a pair of creative takedowns, spinning behind off a counter and then shucking off a 2-on-1 and getting behind. But it wasn't over until it was over, as the match ended with Nelson latched onto the Mongolian's leg before running out of time to finish the move.

The other 59kg bronze went to two-time Asian champion Sarita MOR (IND), who rode an early 4-point move to an 8-2 win over 2020 European 57kg bronze medalist Sara LINDBORG (SWE).

Mongolia's bid for a third bronze medal on the night came up short when 2019 world 68kg bronze medalist Anna SCHELL (GER) ended a tough battle at 72kg with Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) by pancaking her for a fall at 4:29.

Schell, who finished eighth at 68kg at the Tokyo Olympics, trailed 4-2 when she cut the lead with a stepout, then flattened Enkh Amar for the victory.

The other 72kg bronze went to 2018 world bronze medalist Buse TOSUN (TUR) by injury default over Cynthia VESCAN (FRA).

The tournament continues with Greco-Roman action on Day 7, with 60kg, 97kg and 130kg getting started in the day session and the medal matches at night at 55kg, 72kg, 77kg and 82kg.

JapanJapan won the women's wrestling team title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Day 6 Results

Women's Wrestling

57kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Helen MAROULIS (USA) df. Anshu MALIK (IND) by Fall, 3:59 (4-1)

BRONZE: Sae NANJO (JPN) df. Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RWF), 7-2
BRONZE: Davaachimeg ERKHEMBAYAR (MGL) df. Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR), 11-8

59kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) df. Akie HANAI (JPN), 6-4

BRONZE: Shoovdor BAATARJAV (MGL) df. Maya NELSON (USA), 4-3
BRONZE: Sarita MOR (IND) df. Sara LINDBORG (SWE), 8-2

68kg (15 entries)
GOLD: Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) df. Rin MIYAJI (JPN) by Fall, 2:11 (4-0)

BRONZE: Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) df. Adela HANZLICKOVA (CZE), 10-1
BRONZE: Khanum VELIEVA (RWF) df. Olivia DI BACCO (CAN), 2-1

72kg (14 entries)
GOLD: Masako FURUICHI (JPN) df. Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ), 3-0

BRONZE: Buse TOSUN (TUR) df. Cynthia VESCAN (FRA) by Inj. Def.
BRONZE: Anna SCHELL (GER) df. Davaanasan ENKH AMAR (MGL) by Fall, 4:29 (7-4)

Greco-Roman

55kg (16 entries)
Semifinal: Emin SEFERSHAEV (RWF) df. Norayr HAKHOYAN (ARM), 3-2
Semifinal: Ken MATSUI (JPN) df. Eldaniz AZIZLI (AZE) by Fall, 3:55 (10-1)

72kg (27 entries)
Semifinal: Sergei KUTUZOV (RWF) df. Cengiz ARSLAN (TUR) by TF, 10-0, 1:47
Semifinal: Malkhas AMOYAN (ARM) df. Mohammad MOKHTARI (IRI), 10-6

77kg (31 entries)
Semifinal: Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) df. Tsimur BERDYIEU (BLR), 5-4
Semifinal: Roman VLASOV (RWF) df Tamas LEVAI (HUN), 7-0

82kg (27 entries)
Semifinal: Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) df. Adlan AKIEV (RWF), 2-1
Semifinal: Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR) df. Pejman POSHTAM (IRI), 5-2

#WrestleOslo

#WrestleOslo: Gray Grabs 6th World Title as Teen Fujinami Lives Up to Hype

By Ken Marantz

OSLO, Norway (October 6) -- As Adeline GRAY (USA) maintained her tenuous grip on the women's 76kg title by winning a U.S.-record sixth world gold, teenager Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) put on a golden performance well beyond her years.

Gray was forced to rally before securing a last-second fall over Epp MAEE (EST) in the 76kg final to cap a historic fifth day of action at the World Championships in Oslo on Wednesday.

"I am a smart wrestler and adjust and that's what smart wrestlers do -- make mid-match adjustments," Gray said. "My coach helped me understand where my power was and found a few positions where my strength really is."

Fujinami, a 17-year-old dynamo making her international senior debut, stole the show at the Jordal Amfi arena by storming to her fourth straight technical fall -- all without conceding a point -- to take the 53kg gold by crushing Iulia LEORDA (MDA).

Moldova, denied first by Fujinami, got its first-ever female world champion in the next final, when Irina RINGACI (MDA) forged out an 8-6 victory over Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) at 65kg in a clash of current and past world junior champions.

"Here as well as at the junior worlds, we have a small team, only three girls flew in Norway, and two out of three got medals," Ringaci said. "We have made history for our country."

Japan won the other women's title at stake, when 2019 world cadet champion Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) came from behind in the 50kg final to defeat Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) 5-3.

Adeline GRAYAdeline GRAY (USA) celebrates after winning her record sixth World title. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Two days after Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) joined Gray as a five-time world champion by winning the freestyle 79kg gold, she became the sole U.S. leader again by taking a sixth.

"Great feeling," Gray said. "Better than five times is six. Sixth one feels good. Jordan is still chasing me. so that's good."

The victory, however, was never a sure thing until the final minute.

Maee, who previously lost to Gray at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships, seemed to have come up with the right strategy to emulate Aline ROTTER FOCKEN (GER), who stunned the American in the final at the Tokyo Olympics in August.

After gaining an activity point, Maee scored on the edge with a high ankle pick, which became a 4-0 lead after an unsuccessful challenge of the call. In the second period, Gray got on the scoreboard by bulling Maee over for 2.

With :42 left, Gray took the lead on criteria with a takedown off a counter. She then added to the tally with a 2-point trap-arm exposure. It looked like she would run out the clock, but she kept applying the pressure and secured a fall with two seconds left.

"I could have finished the last shot a bit better," Maee said. "It's hard to tell about these things right after the match, but there is still a lot going on here [in the mind]. First period, I really thought I was in control, but at this level one mistake matters everything.

Adeline GRAYAdeline GRAY (USA) and Epp MAEE (EST) were involved in a tense battle in the 76kg final. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Gray added to the world titles she won in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019, giving her a total of eight world medals. Adding to her elation was the fact that her latest gold came with falls in all four matches.

"How many times do you pin your way to the world title?" Gray said. "I was so jealous when Helen [MAROULIS] did it, or Yui [SUSAKI] doing 42-0 at the Olympics. I mean that's dominance. That's power. That's dynamic wrestling and not letting people score. To have four pins in a world championship, I've never done that."

Gray accomplished the feat despite problems dealing with the fast turnaround trying to get ready for Oslo so soon after the Olympics.

"It was a struggle every single day and my coaches were talking me into it," Gray said. "It's just too short of a time period to cope with everything that happened."

While Japan did not enter its Olympians, which included four women's gold medalists, nor was China entered at all, Gray was among all but one U.S. medalist who committed to participating in Oslo.

"That buzzing high kind of stayed through the Olympics because 14 days later we had to decide if we had to do this world or not," Gray said. "Especially when we saw the lineup of the people and how many No. 1s were not there. I looked up to [U.S. coach] Terry [STEINER] and asked why we were sending our No. 1s. So it was just a lot of decisions through the way.

"I am glad we did this but it's hard and wouldn't recommend it."

Akari FujinamiAkari FUJINAMI (JPN) outscored her opponents 41-0 en route the 53kg title. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

Fujinami, a 2018 world cadet champion, came to Oslo amid a mountain of hype and high expectations, despite the fact that her only other senior-level tournaments were the two national championships over the past year that served as qualifiers to the World Championships.

Fujinami won both, beating a two-time world champion and a world silver medalist along the way at each. She has not lost since the final at the 2017 national junior high school championships and, adding in the four victories in Oslo, now has an 83-match win streak.

"I feel amazing, I am so grateful, thank you to my family, my friends, my teammates, the people who supported me," Fujinami said in English, before continuing her post-match comments in Japanese.

In the final, Fujinami blitzed Leorda with a barrage of lightning-quick single-leg takedowns, ending a 10-0 rout with a 2-point exposure at 2:14.

Fujinami had said before the tournament that she felt excited instead of nervous, and that's how she described her feeling before the final.

"Everyone says I'm 17 and I'm young, but thinking about all the time I've put into wrestling up to now, I think the time I spent thinking about wrestling wasn't wasted," she said. "I think the reason [for being excited] was how confident I was taking the mat."

With the one-sided victory, Fujinami ended up with four wins by a combined score of 41-0.

"I don't really think about not giving up a point," she said. "I only keep in mind to keep attacking. And that just leads to these results."

Asked if any of her wins stood out above the others, she said, "Really, all of them left an impression. It's a first experience for me. All of the matches will be remembered. I'm really happy to be able to compete on this stage. I really want to get back to this stage and win again many times."

Fujinami, who is coached by her father at Inabe Gakuin High School in central Japan's Mie Prefecture, said she received encouragement from her classmates.

"Before the final, our teacher sent a video of everyone together saying 'Ganbare (fight hard)! That made me really happy," she said. "It made me feel they were really behind me and I had to win for them."

Akari FujinamiAkari FUJINAMI (JPN) won the world title on senior debut. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Looking ahead, Fujinami is ready to clash with Tokyo Olympic 53kg champion Mayu MUKAIDA (JPN) in her quest to make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The gold in Oslo only adds to her confidence.

"Mukaida is a really strong wrestler," Fujinami said. "From the time I was small, I looked up to her. She is strong, but I am absolutely determined to be the one going to Paris [in 2024]. When the time comes to face her, I definitely want to win."

Leorda, this year's European bronze medalist, joined Ringaci as Moldova's first-ever female world medalists, although she would not become the first to get to the top of the podium.

Still, a silver is a noteworthy accomplishment for a wrestler who had never placed higher than seventh at seven previous World Championships.

Irina RINGACIIrina RINGACI (MDA) became her country's first-ever world women's wrestling champion. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

At 65kg, the 20-year-old Ringaci came out on top by wrestling a tactically strong match, continually fending off the aggressive 2019 world junior champion Morikawa and scoring on counters.

After Ringaci scored two takedowns in the first period, Morikawa finally broke through with a double-leg takedown to start the second. But Ringaci picked up a crucial 4-point counter to go ahead 8-2, then held on as Morikawa scored two takedowns late in the match.

"All the matches were tough," Ringaci said. "The Japanese girls are the best in the world in women wrestling, so it was really difficult to wrestle in the final, especially to win."

Ringaci nearly lost out on her chance to make history for her country when she trailed 8-2 in her semifinal against Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL), only to use a counter to reverse the tide and score a fall.

"It’s really emotional," Ringaci said. "I have no words to explain it. I am just really happy."

Ringaci has had quite a year, winning both the European senior and U23 titles before taking the world junior crown two months ago in Ufa, Russia. Her only slip-ups were at the two Olympic qualifiers and the European juniors.

She said she does not plan to go for a "triple crown" at the world U23 next month in Serbia.

"I think I showed quite a good result at senior worlds, so I’ll give the change to somebody else to wrestle at the U23 worlds," Ringaci said.

YoshimotoRemina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) reclaimed the 50kg world title for Japan. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

With Japan's Olympians opting not try to make the team to Oslo, Yoshimoto made the most of a rare chance to compete on the senior level at 50kg, where Tokyo gold medalist Susaki has become a fixture.

In the final, Hildebrandt, the 2018 world silver medalist at 53kg, took a 3-0 lead on an activity point and 2-point exposure off a counter, before Yoshimoto cut the gap with a takedown to end the first period.

"She's a veteran, and I can feel her strong determination," the soft-spoken Yoshimoto said. "But I was determined to not lose and to fight to the end, and it was good that I did it."

Yoshimoto went ahead on criteria with a stepout, then clinched the win with a 2-point exposure off a wild scramble in which both wrestlers had a grasp of an ankle or thigh.

"I wasn't able to attack much, but I could stop her when I needed to stop her, and I got points when I could," Yoshimoto said. "I made it smoothly to the final, but the final wasn't so easy.

"I had confidence in my strength during the match, and in the second period, I was thinking that I definitely wanted my hand to be raised at the end."

Yoshimoto's ability to hold up in the pressure-cooker that is a World Championships stems from being on the team at Shigakkan University, the powerhouse that has produced innumerable world and Olympic champions, many of whom still train there after graduating.

"I got advice from many people, Risako [KAWAI], Yukako [KAWAI], Eri [TOSAKA]," Yoshimoto said. "Risako and Yukako always helped with techniques. That I was able to make good use of what I learned, I see as a way of honoring them."

Asked about knocking Susaki off the 50kg perch, Yoshimoto said, "I will keep practicing and work to get stronger not only physically, but technically and emotionally. We will probably butt heads someday, so until then, I want to get stronger and challenge her."

Samar HAMZASamar HAMZA (EGY) became Egypt's first senior World Championships medalist. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

In the bronze-medal matches, Samar HAMZA (EGY) added Egpyt to the list of countries with a female world medalist when she became the country's first with a 2-1 win over Kiran GODARA (IND) at 76 kg.

Hamza, a four-time African champion and two-time Olympian, scored a double-leg takedown in the first period and made that hold up to notch the historic victory.

Hamza, the product of a UWW scholarship program to help prospective wrestlers in emerging countries, had one of the more entertaining bouts at the Tokyo Olympics when she lost a 16-12 barnburner in the first round to Natalya VOROBIEVA (ROC).

Two-time Asian silver medalist Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ), who finished fifth at the Tokyo Olympics, earned her first world medal with a 12-1 rout of 2018 European U23 champion Anastasiia OSNIACH SHUSTOVA (UKR) for the other bronze at 76kg.

Medet Kyzy finished off a second takedown with three lace-lock rolls to end the proceedings in 1:39.

At 53kg, Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL) denied a bid by Luisa VALVERDE (ECU) to become her country's first-ever world medalist of either gender when she rode a 4-point arm throw to a 7-1 victory.

The victory gave Krawczyk, a 2018 European bronze medalist, her first world medal after two fifth-place finishes in five previous World Championships dating back to 2011.

The other bronze went to 2016 Pan American champion Samantha STEWART (CAN), who gave 2018 world U23 bronze medalist Khrystyna BEREZA (UKR) no chance by backtripping her to the mat and securing a fall in 1:59.

DolgorjavOtgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) won a bronze medal at 50kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

At 50kg, unheralded Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) showed no fear in overpowering two-time world runner-up Emilia VUC (ROU) for a 10-0 technical fall.

Dolgorjav, the 2018 world cadet silver medalist appearing in just her fifth senior-level event, stormed to an 8-0 first-period lead when she fought off a headlock for a takedown, immediately went to two gut wrenches, then added a takedown.

In the second period, she scored the decisive takedown off a single at 4:18 to finish off Tokyo Olympian Vuc, denying her a third world medal just two days after her 28th birthday.

The other 50kg bronze went to two-time world U23 medalist Nadezhda SOKOLOVA, who had a pair of 4-point moves in a 12-2 technical fall over Bohdana KOKOZEI YASHCHUK (UKR).

Sokolova used a headlock for her first 4-pointer, then later dumped the Ukrainian with a fireman's carry to end the match at 2:29.

At 65kg, Forrest MOLINARI (USA) finally made the medal podium after two previous fifth-place finishes by overwhelming 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist Maryia MAMASHUK (BLR) with a 12-1 technical fall in 4:50.

Johanna MATTSSON (SWE) picked up her second world bronze, adding to the one she won back in 2010, without a fight when Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) defaulted the other match at 65kg.

Podium 65kgThe four medalists at 65kg at the World Championships in Oslo. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

Day 5 Results

Women's Wrestling

50kg (20 entries)
GOLD: Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) df. Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA), 5-3

BRONZE: Nadezhda SOKOLOVA (RWF) df. Bohdana KOKOZEI YASHCHUK (UKR) by TF, 12-2, 2:29
BRONZE: Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) df. Emilia VUC (ROU) by TF, 10-0, 4:10

53kg (17 entries)
GOLD: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) df. Iulia LEORDA (MDA) by TF, 10-0, 2:14

BRONZE: Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL) df. Luisa VALVERDE (ECU), 7-1
BRONZE: Samantha STEWART (CAN) df. Khrystyna BEREZA (UKR) by Fall, 1:59 (4-0)

57kg (17 entries)
Semifinal: Helen MAROULIS (USA) df. Sae NANJO (JPN), 6-4
Semifinal: Anshu MALIK (IND) df. Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR) by TF, 11-0, 3:54

59kg (17 entries)
Semifinal: Akie HANAI (JPN) df. Maya NELSON (USA), 4-1
Semifinal: Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) df. Sarita MOR (IND), 3-0

65kg (19 entries)
GOLD: Irina RINGACI (MDA) df. Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN), 8-6

BRONZE: Johanna MATTSSON (SWE) df. Mimi HRISTOVA (BUL) by Def.
BRONZE: Forrest MOLINARI (USA) df. Maryia MAMASHUK (BLR) by TF, 12-1, 4:50

68kg (15 entries)
Semifinal: Rin MIYAJI (JPN) df. Tamyra MENSAH STOCK (USA) by Fall, :20 (2-0)
Semifinal: Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) df. Khanum VALIEVA (RWF), 3-3

72kg (14 entries)
Semifinal: Zhamila BAKBERGENOVA (KAZ) df. Buse CAVUSOGLU TOSUN (TUR) by TF, 13-2, 5:44
Semifinal: Masako FURUICHI (JPN) df. Anna SCHELL (GER), 6-2

76kg (18 entries)
GOLD: Adeline GRAY (USA) df. Epp MAEE (EST) by Fall, 5:58 (6-4)

BRONZE: Samar HAMZA (EGY) df. Kiran KIRAN (IND), 2-1
BRONZE: Aiperi MEDET KYZY (KGZ) df. Anastasiia OSNIACH SHUSTOVA (UKR) by TF, 12-1, 1:37