John Fuller/TheMat.com
Kristie Marano of the New York Athletic Club was on track to compete in the Olympic Games last year. She had defeated World silver medalist Sara McMann in the U.S. Nationals and was in the Olympic Trials finals.
But then she missed weight and had to bump up two weight classes, finishing second in the Trials. This year, Marano is back at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. She dominated the U.S. Nationals one more time, and with a win at the World Team Trials, would be looking at a U.S. record eighth World-level medal.
TheMat.com talked to Marano about the upcoming World Team Trials, and last year’s devastation at the Olympic Trials.
TheMat.com: Some wrestlers actually prefer wrestling in the Challenge Tournament. Others prefer sitting out. Where do you stand on that subject?
Marano: Well since I have been able to both, I like to do both. I see the Challenge Tournament as a warm-up, and sitting out has helped me recover and be fresh for one day of matches.
TheMat.com: Obviously the thought of not making weight at the Olympic Trials must still be a hard one. But what did you learn from that experience?
Marano: I learned that if I was to go back down to 63 kilograms, I would need to work on weight maintenance.
TheMat.com: You went to Athens as a training partner. Was it hard to watch those matches and not be competing?
Marano: It was hard for me to watch the matches, but I was also excited for the girls. I also was very inspired to continue my wrestling and work even harder to make the team in 2008.
TheMat.com: You can competitively wrestle at three different weight classes. Which one is the best for you?
Marano: I think I am the most comfortable at 67 kilograms. I feel really good and strong there.
TheMat.com: What are your feelings on the new rules?
Marano: There are things I like, and things I don’t like. I kind of just go with it though, because it seems you always have to adapt to change a lot in this sport.
TheMat.com: You are only 26 years old, but have seven medals in World competition. Do you see yourself as a veteran of this sport?
Marano: I don’t think of myself as a veteran, but it has been used many times to describe me. However it doesn’t offend me either.
TheMat.com: Do you expect to see any faces come out of the woodwork for the Trials?
Marano: I have no idea. It would be nice to see some old faces again.
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