It is sometimes thought that the world of amateur wrestling is purely a pursuit for boys, but try telling that to American teenager Heaven Fitch, who just made history as the first female wrestler to win a state championship.
Since she was six years old, Fitch had an ambition to succeed in wrestling after seeing her older brothers compete in tournaments across the United States.
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Fitch was almost flawless in her run to the final in the 106-pound weight class, as she faced, and defeated, boys in each round before claiming victory in the final with a dominant score of 11-3.
"I just wrestled my best and I kinda dominated the match if I’m being honest," she said after her historic win.
Fitch, who is a senior at Uwharrie Charter High School in Asheboro, North Carolina, finished her season with an impressive 54-5 record and won the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the 1A classification.
She also placed fourth in the state in 2019.
"I'm just glad I can be a role model for people younger than me and it's so insane to be inspiring to others," she said.
"To think that others look up to me is kind of crazy."
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