Teenage vegan wrestler medals at World Championships

“Leading up to this tournament I’ve gone through the toughest mental obstacles I’ve ever been through” she says. “But it’s all worth the experience. Being able to travel around the world is something I will always be so grateful for. I have gotten the opportunity to train among the best and learn from them.”

Showing her strength and skill as well as mental application, Sofia made the semi final after beating two tough opponents. First she beat 2021 U20 World Bronze winner Sito of India.

This gave her a place in the quarter finals. There she overcame 2021 U20 World silver medalist Aurora Russo from Italy to make the final.

Sofia beat the Turkish wrestler in the semi final. Spectators were impressed with how she pinned the current U20 European bronze medalist Melda Dernekci of Turkey to take the win.

In the Gold medal match where she was edged out and left with the Silver medal.

Vegan

Sofia has been raised vegetarian then went vegan in 2020. “The main reason was the love of animals & the environment” she says.

She loves Indian and Thai food. “My favorite protein packed meals are my buddha bowls, with quinoa, sweet potato, chickpeas, tofu, spinach, and peas with a lime chipotle sauce.”

And Sofia is not alone in her family! Older sister Mia is also vegan and has wrestled for the USA in the UWW Beach Wrestling Series.

See more on the sisters

More vegans in combat sports