TOKYO – Former King University women's wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt made her Olympic debut on Friday, and it was a memorable first appearance. Hildebrandt won her first two matches by technical superiority, advancing to the semifinals. However, she dropped her semifinal bout, but will wrestle for a bronze medal on Saturday.
The 2018 World silver medalist made quick work of her first two opponents, with neither match making in out of the first period. Hildebrandt opened with an 11-0 technical fall victory over 2017 World bronze medalist Evan Demirhan of Turkey. Following a 3-0 lead after the first period, Hildebrandt got a takedown and followed that with three turns for the victory.
She then squared off with 2020 European champion Miglena Selishka of Bulgaria. Selishka scored the first takedown, but Hildebrandt responded with a takedown and five turns, earning the 12-2 technical fall and advancing her to the semifinals.
In the early morning hours stateside, Friday evening in Tokyo, Hildebrandt faced 2013 World champion and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Sun Yanan of China. Hildebrandt took a 7-0 lead with takedown and two turns and led 7-1 after the first period. However, Yanan responded with a big second period. She pulled within 7-6 with 10 seconds remaining and followed that with a four-point takedown in the waning seconds, advancing to the final with the 10-7 victory.
Hildebrandt will wrestle for bronze on Saturday morning. The session is scheduled to start at 5:45 a.m. (ET) Hildebrandt will take the mat around 7:00 a.m. as she will be the seventh or eighth match.
