Everest Leydecker Named USA Wrestling Athlete Of The Week

Everest Leydecker (Phoenix, Ariz./Thorobred WC/New York AC) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week.

Leydecker captured her second-straight U20 World title, where she only gave up two points throughout the entire tournament.

The only two points she allowed came in the championship match against 2024 U17 World silver medalist Nana Kozuka of Japan. For gold, Kozuka grabbed the early 2-0 lead, but in the second period Leydecker scored four points before settling in the pin with 46 seconds left in the match.

Three of her four victories came by fall en route to the title. To start the tournament, Leydecker pinned 2025 U23 World silver medalist Hansika Lamba of India 4:28 into the match. In the quarterfinals, Leydecker secured the fall over 2021 U17 World silver medalist Valeryia Mikitsich of Belarus with four seconds to spare in the opening frame.

Her lone decision came in the semifinals, where she shutout 2026 U20 Asian silver medalist Meilin Zhou of China, who went on to claim bronze, 8-0.

Over the last two years at the U20 World Championships, Leydecker has gone 8-0 with three pins and three technical falls. Across her eight bouts, she has only allowed four total points.

This is the first of three World Championships Leydecker is slated to compete in this year. In October, she will compete at the Galaxy U23 World Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., October 12-18, followed by the Senior World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, October 24-November 1.

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