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Elena Pirozhkova (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for Feb. 17-23.

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by Craig Sesker

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.

Pirozhkova won her fourth international tournament of the season after capturing a gold medal at the Ukrainian Memorial International on Feb. 21 in Kiev, Ukraine. She won the women's freestyle title at 63 kg/138.75 lbs.

Pirozhkova, a 2008 University World champion, won three matches on the way to the title. She defeated Irina Netreba of Ukraine in the finals, 3-1, 2-1. In the semifinals, she had a huge victory over 2008 Olympic silver medalist and 2002 World champion Alena Kartashova of Russia, 1-0, 2-2, 2-1.

Pirozhkova placed eighth in the 2008 World Championships. She earlier won titles this season at the Dave Schultz Memorial International, Hargobind International in Canada and the New York AC International Open in November.

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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