King Wrestling Legend Sarah Hildebrandt Earns Olympic Bronze Medal
TOKYO – Former King University women's wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt became an Olympic medalist on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.
Hildebrandt used a late flurry to defeat Oksana Livach of Ukraine by technical superiority, 21-1.
"Last night was probably the lowest I've ever felt (after semifinal loss). I couldn't even wrap my mind around it and still can't," Hildebrandt said. "To be able to come back from that, to have so many people be there for me yesterday and literally pick me up off the floor, and get this medal, so many people have put in to this. It's a great representation of that."
All of Hildebrandt's scoring in the bronze medal match came late in each period. The 2018 World silver medalist trailed 1-0 in the first period but got a takedown at the buzzer to take a 2-1 lead at the break. Hildebrandt extended her lead over the 2016 World bronze medalist to 4-1 with another takedown with 48 seconds remaining. Following another takedown, Hildebrandt then got three turns to take the 12-1 win by technical fall, earning the bronze medal.
"I remember Sarah as a young 18-year-old walking on campus for the first time with dreams of the highest achievements," King women's wrestling head coach Jason Moorman said. "She accomplished many great things during her tenure here at King, however her growth since has been remarkable. She faced a lot of adversity over the years as every athlete does, and how you handle that adversity is what separates people. She handled it better than anyone."
In her four Olympic matches, Hildebrandt took three by technical superiority, 11-0, 12-2, and 12-1, in earning the bronze medal. The medal was the ninth for Team USA wrestling, and fourth of six for the American women. Hildebrandt became the first Tornado to earn an Olympic medal.
"Congrats to her coaches Brad Harper and Terry Steiner, they have been amazing in their guidance to this accomplishment," continued Moorman. "We are incredibly proud of Sarah. She forever will be an Olympic Bronze medalist!"
On the first day of competition, Hildebrandt won her first two matches by technical superiority to advance to the semifinals. In the semifinal match, Hildebrandt held a 7-1 lead after the opening period, but fell 10-7 in a late flurry to drop her to the bronze medal bout.
"What a special time to be a part of Team USA wrestling. You can feel the energy," finished Hildebrandt. "I'm so grateful to have these teammates. We are supporting each other, working to get better. That is different from before and you can see it paying off."
**Story by King Athletic Communications/Photos by Larry Slater**