With two World Wrestling Championship titles under her belt — plus a haul of medals, almost entirely gold, from wrestling tournaments across the globe — it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that Team USA's 68kg powerhouse Amit Elor devastated her first two opponents at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first of whom was top seed Buse Tosun of Turkiye.
But it's hard not to be stunned when you watch Elor charge, grapple, and slam her opponents into wide-eyed submission.
Learn more about the soon-to-be household name who's blazing through the Grand Palais Ephemere...
How old is Amit Elor?
Elor is 20 years old. She was born on Jan. 1, 2004.
Where is Amit Elor from?
Elor is from Walnut Creek, California. She currently resides in both California and Colorado.
What college did Amit Elor go to? Is that where she trains?
Elor takes online classes at Diablo Valley College. She trains with theTitan Mercury Wrestling Club and her coaches include Valentin Kalika and Terry Steiner.
What Olympics has Amit Elor competed in?
Elor made her Olympic debut in Paris as theyoungest female wrestler to ever compete for Team USA.Although she won her senior world titles in the 72kg weight class, she had to drop down to the 68kg weight class for the Olympics.
In competition, Elor is known for her hand fighting.
“I like a lot of short offense," she said. "But hopefully at the Olympics, we'll see a lot of variety from me. I've been training a lot and trying to grow and expand my wrestling."
What records has Amit Elor broken?
Elor has won eight world titles in freestyle wrestling across various age groups, plus an additional title at the U17 Beach World Championships. At age 18, she became the youngest senior world champion in U.S. history and won again the following year in 2023. She currently ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for the 68kg weight class.
When did Amit Elor start wrestling?
Elor started wrestling when she was 4 years old. She’s the youngest of six children and began after watching one of her brother’s wrestling practices.
"I remember my mom and I would go watch (my brother) at his practices," she said. "I was so jealous of him, I don't know why, but I really wanted to go on the mat and join him, and I had this urge to wrestle everybody on the mat. I just couldn't stand being on the sidelines and not being able to wrestle."
What are Amit Elor’s hobbies?
Amit Elor is a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to cook, go to new restaurants, bake bread and try out recipes from social media. In between training, she also enjoys hiking with her dog and reading.
Amit Elor: In her own words
Amit Elor on the Olympics:
"Being an Olympian in general has been my dream ever since I can remember. So, part of it doesn't feel real, I feel really happy. And at the same time, I feel nervous, right? Because it's a big responsibility. And I want to go out there and be the very best version of myself. So, I'm excited. But at the same time, I have this sense of urgency. I want to prepare and be as good as I possibly can be."
Amit Elor on meeting Helen Maroulis in 2016:
"I was so nervous. I was just using so much strength and being so stiff just because I couldn't believe that I was training with her. I continued to follow her as she went out and won a gold in the Rio Olympics. So I was so happy for her. And it was so cool for me that I got to witness her journey and meet her right before she went out there and made history."
Amit Elor on women's wrestling:
"The growth of women's wrestling makes me feel amazing as somebody who grew up wrestling only boys and feeling so isolated. It's just amazing to witness all the little girls that are wrestling these days and everything that's been happening and how quickly it's been happening too. It's been a long time coming, but to be part of this movement, and to witness it happening is so motivating and heartwarming."
Amit Elor on what she’s looking forward to in Paris:
"I'm looking forward to all the different places to eat and eating a chocolate croissant and having thick French hot chocolate and macarons."
Will Amit Elor win wrestling gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
During an interview earlier in 2024, Elor said she hopes to be remembered as an Olympic gold medalist and a role model. As the youngest female wrestler on Team USA and a favorite to win gold, the 20-year-old world champion wants to inspire the next generation of wrestlers at the Paris Olympics.
“I think that if all the stars align, and I really do feel my best and I go out there and I give all my heart, I think I have a really good shot at winning,” Elor said in July.
