U-23 World Wrestling podium finish thrills Kolawole

African Champion Esther Kolawole has expressed her delight after bagging a bronze medal in the 62 kg weight class of the 2024 U-23 World Wrestling Championships in Tirana, Albania, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2024 Paris Olympian lost to USA Macey Kilty 3-3 on criteria in the 16th round.

However, in a repechage match, she defeated Tynys Dubek of Kazakhstan by a 10-0 superiority score after securing the same margin of victory against Venezuela’s Astrid Montero before securing the bronze medal with an emphatic 10-0 superiority win over Viktoria Vesso of Estonia.

Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra, the young wrestler admitted that she could have won a gold medal but remained happy with her bronze medal feat.
“I am so happy and excited about winning bronze at the U-23 senior wrestling championship,” she said.My coach informed me that I possessed greater talent and should have secured the gold medal. I have promised myself to put in my very best and work harder in my future endeavours.”
Reacting to the Albanian feat, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, applauded the motivated reaction of Kolawole after she lost in the 16th round.

Igali, who, alongside coach Akuh Purity, led Kolawole to the championship, expressed confidence that the experience will shape her for future international events.
“Esther was unfortunate not to be in the finals of this event. Our goal is to start the preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in earnest. Getting on the podium at the U-23 world championships is a step towards that goal,” Igali said.

Kolawale is expected to return to Nigeria in readiness for the 3rd Gov. Diri National Championships scheduled to be held from November 5 to 9 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.