It's About Creating Art with My Body

Helen Maroulis makes history becoming the first American woman to win three Olympic wrestling medals.

Helen Maroulis has solidified her status as one of the greatest athletes in U.S. history, becoming the first American woman to win three Olympic wrestling medals. On Friday, she delivered a stunning performance, pinning Canada’s Hannah Taylor in just 24 seconds to claim the bronze in the 57-kilogram freestyle category. This victory adds to her illustrious career, which includes a gold medal from Rio 2016 and a bronze from Tokyo 2020.

At 32, Maroulis faced the possibility of retiring after these Olympics. However, her dominant showing in the bronze-medal match left her questioning whether it’s time to step away. Despite a tough semifinal loss to Japan’s Tsugumi Sakurai, Maroulis displayed the tenacity and skill that have defined her career.

At Raw, we had the incredible opportunity to follow and interview Helen during the months leading up to her 2024 Olympic games. Her unmatched achievements and unwavering passion have firmly placed her among the legends of the sport, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come. We had the opportunity to not only see her train on the mat, but to hear about her history in the sport, her perception of women’s wrestling and every detail of dedication that she puts in from her social life to her diet.  

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For many athletes, including myself, embarking on a strict diet can feel like a sacrifice, akin to giving up a part of oneself, especially the social aspects of life. It can be challenging to miss out on social gatherings and the simple joys of eating freely with loved ones.

Training and nutrition aren't just about physical strength—they're about mental, emotional, and psychological preparation too. As I work towards my goals, I shift my mindset, pushing through the challenges, and building resilience. It’s a holistic approach that ensures I’m not just physically ready but also mentally and emotionally prepared to compete at the highest level.

As important as clean eating is, it’s impossible to get everything your body needs from food alone, especially when preparing for competition. That’s where supplements come in – and this is a big deal for me; I’m so careful about everything I put in my body, especially as I’m getting ready to compete.  Knowing that I’m getting clean, tested supplements, like those with Informed-Sport certification, is crucial for me as an athlete who gets drug tested. This ensures that I can trust what I'm putting into my body, which helps take a load off my mind.

Ultimately, it’s about creating art with my body, just like a wrestler on the mat, and feeling that high of knowing I’m doing everything right, from nutrition to recovery. It’s this balance and attention to detail that keeps me on track and allows me to push my limits, both physically and mentally, to achieve greatness.

Reflecting on it now, I realize how much the landscape of women's wrestling has changed. Young girls today don't have to go through some of the challenges that my generation and those before us faced. I feel a strong responsibility to continue paving the way, to make this a great space for girls and women to thrive in.

If I could go back, there's a part of me that wouldn’t want to change anything because all the challenges I faced shaped who I am today, and I like where I am. But I would also want to encourage my younger self to be kinder, not to be so hard on myself, and not to get hung up on the small things. Everything is going to work out—just trust who you are, believe in yourself, and keep going.

When I'm on the mat, it feels like I'm flying, like I'm on a high. All the work, diligence, and attention to detail come together, and I can just relax, let things flow, and create art on the mat. It's a beautiful feeling.”

WATCH THE FULL 4-PART INTERVIEW WITH HELEN HERE: