Bernard taking aim at 2nd Olympic trip
Top women’s freestyle wrestler continues to build momentum after winning U.S. Open championship
By Craig Sesker
Ali Bernard has competed on wrestling’s biggest stage. And she’s eager for another shot to do it again. Fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Bernard is in prime position to make a run at being a member of the U.S. team for the 2012 Olympics in London, England. “Going to Beijing, it was a great experience,” Bernard said. “It was an honor and it definitely was a thrill to be a part of it. It was real emotional and exciting. It was an amazing experience.” The 25-year-old Bernard, a Minnesota native who trains in the Canadian city of Edmonton, won April’s U.S. Open and will be favored to win June’s U.S. World Team Trials in Oklahoma City. Bernard won a World University title last year at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. She pinned past World champion Iris Smith in the second period to win the 2011 U.S. Open.
“I know I’ve been training as hard as I can,” Bernard said. “I wrestled in the World Cup and did OK. I came back home and worked on some things before the U.S. Open. I came into the Open feeling confident.” Bernard made the U.S. World Team in 2009 before placing second at the 2010 World Team Trials. She lost to Stephany Lee in the final-round series.
Bernard fell one win short of winning a medal at the 2008 Olympics after being defeated in the bronze-medal match in Beijing.
“Competing on that stage, it was nerve-racking and exciting,” she said. “Knowing I was one match away from winning a medal at the Olympics, it was heartbreaking. I was pretty sad after that match. It was tough, being so close to a medal. It real- ly pushes me to keep fighting and keep working hard.” Bernard said she is scheduled to graduate from college this summer.
“I will be able to focus full-time on wrestling,” she said, “and focus on trying to make the Olympic Team again.” She plans to wrestle through at least 2012. “I have no idea what I’m going to do after next year,” she said. “As long as I’m still having fun, I will keep wrestling. I’m keeping my eyes on the Olympic year and not really thinking about anything beyond that.” The 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey will serve as a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics. “I know it’s a big season, but I try not to put too much pres-
30 USA Wrestler
Ali Bernard smiles after recording a first-round fall at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Bernard went on to place fifth for the U.S. Larry Slater photo.
sure on myself,” she said. “I just have to keep working hard and keep pushing myself.” Women’s freestyle wrestling debuted at the 2004 Olympics. Bernard has a chance to become the first American woman to be a two-time Olympian in wrestling.
“I would love another opportunity to win a medal in the Olympics,” she said. “I’ve been on that stage and I know what to expect now.”
Bernard, a two-time Junior World champion, is grateful for the opportunities she has received because of her wrestling abili- ties.
“I’ve traveled so many places and I’ve been all over the
World,” she said. “I’ve experienced so many different cultures. It’s been a great experience to travel to so many different coun- tries. Wrestling has opened a lot of doors for me.”
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