What You Don't Know About Being A Female Wrestler

Women's WrestlingAthletesStories
Written By Katherine Shai

We don’t all look like what you think.

There are 10 different weight classes in Women's Wrestling, which means wrestling encompases SO. MANY. DIFFERENT. body types. Our weight classes range from 110 pounds to 167 pounds, which allows for different sizes, heights, and shapes.

"Stereotyping a female wrestler’s body as short & stocky will only give you a narrow view of our sport."   

Trying to stereotype a female wrestler’s body as only short and stocky will only give you a narrow view of our sport. Wrestling is one of the few sports where you use your body type as a way to get the advantage over your opponent. Tall wrestle short, skinny wrestle stocky. As long as they are the same weight, you must learn how to wrestle whatever your opponent looks like...

This article originally appeared on the Athlete Network.
Katherine Shai

Katherine Shai is a 7x National Team Member for Team USA. Throughout her long career she was top 10 in the world, a multi-time international medalist, University World Champion, Dave Schultz International Champion, 2x College National Champion, US Open Champion, and was 3rd at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Team Trials and 2nd in the mini tournament for the 2021 Olympic Team Trials.

Katherine is currently mentoring and coaching athletes all over the country, as well as speaking on her experiences as a professional athlete in the challenging sport of wrestling. She is the founder of the athlete, parent, and coaching resource LuchaFIT. She aims to help more athletes and coaches grow in the sport of wrestling through her story and leadership. She serves as a Board Member of USA Wrestling, Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, and was a founding Board Member for Wrestle Like a Girl. She is a mother of 2 and resides in Denver, CO.

https://luchafit.com
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