OLYMPIC GAMES | WRESTLING
Who is American olympic wrestler Amit Elor? Age, career and medal chances in Paris 2024
From watching her older brother compete to representing Team USA in Paris, this is the story of the new female Olympic wrestler sensation
For many athletes, the realization that they have qualified for the Olympics is a moment that comes in waves. “You know, part of it has sunk in, and then other times I wake up, and I’m just doing a simple task, and it just hits me again—wait a minute, I’m going to the Olympics. I am an Olympian.”
This reflective excitement comes from a wrestler who had an unconventional start. She wasn’t naturally very physical and was actually a pretty shy kid, but wrestling allowed her to express herself in a way she wasn’t usually capable of.
The journey began early, with Amit starting at the age of four. Inspired by her older brother Ory, who was in high school wrestling, she frequently accompanied her mother to his practices. After convincing her mother, she got to permit to start practicing.
For six years, she was the only girl on the mat, competing exclusively against boys. The experience was challenging but formative. “Competing against boys was tough. I felt isolated at times and had to work harder to prove I belonged. But it made me extremely strong, both mentally and physically.”
Immediate success at the international stage for Amit Eelor
Her dedication led her to compete in three World Championships over two summers. The U20 World Championships were considered a preparatory event for the senior World Championships. Elor competes in the 68-kilogram category and holds titles as a cadet, junior, and senior world champion. She won the senior world championships in 2022 and 2023.
Elor will be competing in the Women’s freestyle wrestling 68 kg category at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Her performance in Paris will be dedicated to her late father
As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, her family will be there to support her—her mother, her two brothers, and her brother’s fiancée. There is a poignant aspect to her upcoming competition, as it falls on what would have been her late father’s birthday. “My dad passed away when I was 18, right before our world team trials. Competing on August 5th, his birthday, I hope I can make the finals for him. I just want to make him and my mom proud.”
Her father’s sudden death from COVID-19 brought an unexpected emotional strength to her journey. She also aspires for her success to inspire the next generation of female wrestlers in Paris. “I hope all six of us can be role models for the next generation. I want young girls to see us and know that it is possible to chase their dreams in wrestling.”