Everest Leydecker accepts the "Marjo Kraft" Champion of Champions Award at the 2024 Ken Kraft Midlands Championships in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Athlete of Week

Everest Leydecker named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare

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by Savannah Asmann, USA Wrestling

Everest Leydecker (Phoenix, Ariz./Valiant Prep) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, on January 2, 2025.

At the Ken Kraft Midlands Championships on Sunday, Leydecker, wrestling unattached, dominated the 124-pound division to win the title. Leydecker’s accomplishment earned her the Marjo Kraft Champion of Champions Award.

In the championship bout, Leydecker secured a 6-1 decision over Emma Bacon of Wyoming Seminary. Prior to the finals, Leydecker showcased her skills with three 10-0 technical falls and a 40-second pin.

Throughout the tournament, Leydecker outscored her opponents 40-1, spending just 4:47 on the mat leading up to the championship match. Currently a junior in high school for Valiant College Prep, Leydecker holds the No. 1 ranking at 125 pounds and is ranked No. 6 in the pound-for-pound high school rankings.

Leydecker is a two-time age-group Pan American Championships gold medalist, winning both titles in 2024 (U17 and U20). In 2023, Leydecker won the USMC U17 Women’s Nationals title at 57 kg, and represented the United States at the 2023 U17 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.

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