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Tatiana Padilla named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 14-20

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by Craig Sesker

Tatiana Padilla (Azusa, Calif./Sunkist Kids) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Oct. 14-20.

Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level.

Padilla became the youngest U.S. World medalist in 12 years after she captured a bronze medal at the Women's World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The 17-year-old Padilla went 4-1 in the tournament to place third at 55 kg/121 lbs. She is the youngest U.S. World medalist since Kristie Marano won a silver medal at the 1996 World Championships.

Padilla, a freshman at Lindenwood (Mo.) University, knocked off Olympic Games fifth-place finisher Ana Maria Paval of Romania in the bronze-medal match in Tokyo. Padilla lost the first period before coming back to win the match.

Padilla won her first three matches, including a win over past World champion Sofia Pompouridou of Greece, before falling to Tetyana Lazareva of the Ukraine in the semifinals. She then rebounded to win the bronze medal with a third-period fall over Paval.

Padilla won a Junior World silver medal in 2007 and a Junior World bronze medal in 2008. She is a two-time National High School Wrestler of the Year.

Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete's name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to Craig Sesker at csesker@usawrestling.org

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