| My name is Saylor Wendell. I’m 14 years old and an incoming freshman at Elko High School in Elko, Nevada, where I wrestle at 130 lbs. Wrestling has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. I started when I was five years old. After watching my older brother compete, I eventually decided I wanted to try it for myself. From that first time on the mat, I knew I was going to do something with this sport. |
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| Over the years, I’ve earned multiple youth state championships, became a 2024 Women’s National All-American, won the 2025 Greco State title, and placed second in both Freestyle and Folkstyle. I also finished second in Freestyle and fifth in the high school age group at Western States, and I qualified for Fargo in 2025, where I went 3–2. But the accomplishments only tell part of my story. The hardest obstacles I’ve faced have tested me both mentally and physically. Just as I was stepping into bigger tournaments and finding success, I had a tough year that made me question if I wanted to keep going. My dad pushed me to keep chasing my goals and helped me join Nevada Elite Wrestling Club, where my training and confidence grew. Then, right as I was gaining momentum, I tore my ACL. Surgery and six months of recovery were some of the hardest months of my life. I felt like I was finally doing well and then it was taken away. But I wasn’t alone. My family was there through it all, and when I returned, my first tournament back was Virginia Beach National Christmas Duals. I went 7–3, and that experience reminded me why I love this sport. |
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| Through wrestling, I’ve learned to truly understand my body, develop mental toughness, and stay focused on the bigger picture. It has taught me confidence, discipline, leadership, and how to overcome challenges. Beyond the mat, I also play soccer and softball, am involved in student leadership, and recently found a passion for photography. Nevada Elite Wrestling Club has been a huge part of my growth, as has my family, especially my dad. My dad has given me every opportunity and ounce of support I could ever ask for. |
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My short-term goal this season is to earn a high school state title. My long-term goal is to take wrestling as far as I can and give back to the sport that has given me so much. Wrestling has been there through my hardest times and my best times, and it’s introduced me to some of the best people I’ve ever met. There’s no true balance in greatness—you go all in on what matters, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with wrestling and everything I love. |
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