Emma Bruntil

I realize that it’s hard to fully appreciate things while they’re happening, but consider: Helen Maroulis is the greatest female wrestler in American history. She was the first to win an an Olympic gold medal, the only to make 3 Olympic teams and her win over Yoshida is arguably the greatest win in American wrestling history (any style). She won an Olympic medal after suffering a brain injury that would have sent 99% of wrestlers into early retirement. The wrestling community widely rejected girls participating when her generation started wrestling. Nobody wants to revisit how much heat these girls got for wanting to compete in what was exclusively a boys sport at the time. The coolest thing anyone can do is something cool before everyone else thinks it’s cool. Helen was THE key figure in the cultural acceptance of women’s wrestling, and thousands of girls don’t have to deal with (as much) of that bs today because of her. Shes 32, would be 36 if she competed in another cycle. Let’s appreciate greatness here whether or not it’s the last time we see her on a mat.