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two wrestlers in the divisions square off on an elevated platform. “Each wrester gets the feeling they’re the most important per- son there,” Considine says.
Even though Murphy is a few years removed from the experi- ence, he still remembers it. “Getting put on that stage when you’re that young, it really teaches you how to perform under pressure,” he says. “It makes it seem like the biggest tournament in the world. When you’re that little on that stage, it’s just a great experience.” Just as important, though, are the everyday life lessons learned through the hard work of wrestling, since only a tiny few will every go on to wrestle in college, let alone the Olympics. Tholl says he worries about sustaining high youth wrestling
numbers in light of the International Olympic Committee’s recent recommendation to cut wrestling from the Summer Games in 2020 and beyond. But Tholl, Considine and a cast of countless others working behind the scenes are determined to keep the IKWF going strong for future generations. That’s what dedica- tion means.
“Back when I started, (wrestling) was only for guys, but now there is a division for girls. You hear so many different people saying wrestlers are more respectful in how they come up in the working world,” Tholl says. “Sure we have our families and friends, but it’s how you do. It’s how you do in a job interview, how you conduct yourself in relationships and in college. There are going to be ups and downs, and it’s pretty much up to you. I just love watching what wrestling does for a young individual.”
USA Wrestler 39
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