Jonna Malmgren, Ami Ishii Bounce Back with Gold at U23 World Championships

Posted : 25 October 2024

Jonna Malmgren of Sweden, a strong contender for a medal at the Paris Olympics, had a rocky start in her campaign. She won her opening match decisively but faced a challenging quarterfinal against returning silver medalist Qianyu Pang from China, where she lost 10-2. The defeat left Malmgren feeling disheartened, and she later expressed the emotional toll of the experience. "I actually had a really tough time after the Olympics," she reflected, acknowledging the common sense of emptiness that many athletes face following such significant competitions.

To move past her disappointment, Malmgren took some time to regroup by spending time with family, coaching at her club, and reflecting on her Olympic journey. She ultimately decided to compete at the U23 World Championships to reclaim her confidence and end the season on a high note. "I went up one weight class and just wanted to have fun and wrestle the way that I know I can," she stated. Despite the pressure to perform, she realized that sometimes it's best to focus on enjoying the sport rather than striving for perfection.

Malmgren's determination paid off when she won the gold medal in the 55kg category at the U23 World Championships in Tirana, dominating her final against Zeltzin Hernandez from Mexico with a 10-0 victory in just over three minutes. On her path to the final, she also defeated Oleksandra Khomenets, a former world silver medalist, showcasing her impressive skills. Malmgren noted that securing more world medals was important for her confidence, emphasizing her commitment to leaving it all on the mat.

Meanwhile, fellow competitor Ami Ishii from Japan also faced her own setbacks after missing out on the Olympics despite qualifying for Japan at 68kg. Following her disappointment, Ishii found success at the U23 World Championships, where she claimed the gold medal by defeating Nesrin Bas from Turkey 8-1. Ishii had a remarkable tournament, winning most of her matches decisively.

She remains focused on her future goals, including participating in the World Championships and the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, emphasizing her desire to learn and grow from her experiences. Additionally, the United States excelled at the U23 World Championships, securing two gold medals, with Sage Mortimer and Yelena Makoyed each showcasing impressive performances in their respective weight classes.

Jonna Malmgren, Ami Ishii Bounce Back with Gold at U23 World Championships

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