PHOENIX (AZFamily) — When 16-year-old Everest Leydecker steps onto the wrestling mat, she’s in her element. "I love it," she says, embodying the passion that has driven her since she began wrestling at the age of 8.

Leydecker’s dedication and talent have propelled her to the top of her sport. For the second consecutive year, she holds the prestigious title of No. 1 high school wrestler in the country for her weight class. Despite her success, she remains grounded. "I just go out there and wrestle. I try not to put too much pressure on myself," she explains. "I can just be creative and do what I want. It’s an individual sport. Everything’s on me. I control the outcome."

And control the outcome she does. Leydecker’s hard work and determination recently took her to the Dominican Republic, where she represented the U.S. in the U17 Pan-Am Championship. Competing against the best in her weight class, she emerged victorious, winning the gold medal. "It was really cool. I got to run around the mat holding the (U.S.) flag. That was probably the coolest part for me because that’s been a goal for a while to be able to do that," she recalls.

Her coach, Mike Douglas, has been a constant source of support and motivation. "It was awesome representing the United States of America, in any capacity," says Douglas. He has been with Leydecker every step of the way, both at international competitions and during rigorous practices with their club, Thorobred Wrestling, back in the Valley. Douglas brings a wealth of experience and passion to his coaching, and his mentorship has been pivotal in Leydecker’s development as a top-tier wrestler.

Douglas praises Leydecker’s determination and leadership qualities. "She sets her mind to do something, and it’s bound to happen. She’s a leader. She sees when people are down and picks them up, helping everyone, no matter who they are," he says. Her leadership extends beyond the mat, as she often mentors younger wrestlers and encourages her teammates during tough training sessions.

Leydecker’s training regimen is intense. She practices six days a week, often twice a day, especially during the summer. This rigorous schedule includes strength training, endurance exercises, technique drills, and sparring sessions. Her commitment to her sport is unwavering, as she balances her training with her academic responsibilities and personal life. This relentless dedication fuels her aspirations for the future.

Although she’s too young to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, she remains focused on her long-term goal. "Hopefully, in four years, I’ll be good enough to be a contender for the (2028) Olympic spot," she says with determination. Leydecker’s path to the Olympics involves not only intense physical preparation but also strategic participation in national and international competitions to gain experience and recognition.

With her impressive track record and unwavering commitment, Everest Leydecker is poised to continue making waves in the wrestling world. Her journey is marked by numerous victories at state and national levels, and she has consistently demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure. As she dreams of Olympic glory, she remains an inspiration to her peers and a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Her story is a beacon of hope for young athletes everywhere, showing that with hard work and dedication, dreams can indeed become reality.