Amit Elor, at the age of only 20, emerged victorious in a remarkable 3-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan’s Meerim Zhumanazarova in the 68kg final at the Paris Games.
This outstanding achievement has made Elor the youngest Olympic wrestling gold medalist in the history of the United States, regardless of gender. Elor’s latest victory adds to their impressive win streak of 41, which spans an impressive five-year period.
Elor’s opponents were acutely aware of her undeniable dominance. She dominated her opponents, winning 31 out of 33 matches and shutting out her last three opponents.
Adding to the impressive list of American women who have claimed gold, she joined the ranks of Helen Maroulis in 2016 and Tamyra Mensah-Stock in 2021. Wrestling at the Olympics welcomed women in 2004.
Following her victory, she proudly wrapped herself in the American flag and joyfully danced around the mat.
“It was one of the best moments in my life,” she said. “I think I’m going to remember it for my entire life. It’s one of the best feelings in the world. And when I experience something like that, it just reminds me that everything is worth it. All the hard days, the grind, it’s all worth it for moments like these.”
Elor had already achieved the impressive feat of becoming a two-time world champion, securing his first victory at the young age of 18. Now, the Northern California native from Walnut Creek eagerly anticipates the opportunity to claim Olympic gold in her home state at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.