The Japanese trio of Yui SUSAKI (JPN), Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) and Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) are the 2017 Breakout Wrestlers of the Year.

48kg WW: Yui SUSAKI (JPN) - World Champion
In her first world championship Susaki outscored her opponents 53-8. The rising star picked up her fifth victory with a technical superiority victory in the 48kg gold medal bout over Emilia Alina VUC (ROU).

57kg FS: Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) - World Champion
Prior to the 2017 World Championships, three-time world team member Yuki Takahashi had never medaled at a world championship. Although he did wrestle in the 2014 third place bout, Takahashi had never placed higher than fifth.

During his breakout performance at the 2017 World Championships, Takahashi defeated Olympian Sandeep TOMAR (IND) and two-time world bronze medalist Erdenebat BEKHBAYAR (MGL). Takahashi capped off his tournament run without surrendering a point in the finals against Thomas GILMAN (USA).

59kg GR: Kenichiro FUMITA (JPN) - World Champion
Kenichiro Fumita’s most recent world championships placement was at the 2014 Junior Worlds where he finished just outside of the top 15. In Fumita’s first world championship appearance, he picked up back-to-back 2-1 victories, helping him secure the 2017 59kg Greco-Roman gold medal.