Wang Jiao

Wang Jiao (王娇)

Wang Jiao (王娇) is a Chinese wrestler who won an Olympic gold in wrestling in the women's 72kg freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Jiao was born in Shenyang, Liaoning Province on Jan. 20, 1988. When she was little, Wang was a tomboy and did well at many kinds of sports.

At the age of 13, Wang was picked by Wang Yongbo for the local sports school for Judo training. She wasn't clear about which sport would be the best for her at that time, only that she was sure that she liked doing sports. Later, Wang was recommended to the coach of the Liaoning women’s wrestling team. She was transferred from the Judo team to the wrestling team.

After only one year and a half training of wrestling, Wang was the runner-up of women wrestling at the National City Games.

The year 2004 was a turning point for Wang Jiao’s wrestling career, and she was recruited into the national youth team, and specialized in 72kg wrestling. Wang was the national champion for the next three years.

In 2005, she won the Asia Championships and placed fifth at the World Championships. In the same year, she honored Liaoning by winning the 1st gold medal in the 10th National Sports Meeting.

Wang Jiao (王娇)

It usually takes six-year of training to take medals for wrestlers; however, Wang only spent one year and a half to create such amazing achievements in wrestling.

Wang won the Champion by defeating famous Russian wrestler in the final of the 2007 World Youth Championships, during which her outstanding strength and skills were proved.

"Wang Jiao is very young and talented. I believe she could win many world titles in the future if she trains hard," said Raphael Martinetti, President of the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles.

After gaining the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Qualifying Competition, Wang' best wish was to win the gold medal in the coming Olympics. Wang Jiao didn't conceal her ambition: "My aim is to be the world wrestling queen." she said.

Wang succeeded by winning the women's 72kg freestyle at 2008 Beijing Olympics, cheering up all who had hopes for her.

Wang Jiao (王娇)

Major achievements:

2004 China Wrestling Championships – Champion

2005 Asian Wrestling Championships – Champion

2005 10th National Sports Meeting – Champion of women's 72kg freestyle wrestling

2008 World Cup – Champion

2008 Beijing Olympic Games – Champion of women's 72kg freestyle wrestling

2012 Asia Qualifying Competition of 2012 London Olympic – Champion of women's 72kg freestyle wrestling