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Sarah Hildebrandt reflects on how her brother's support during the Paris Olympics was a game changer in her gold-medal win.
American freestyle wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt has revealed that having her brother Drew Hildebrandt by her side during the 2024 Paris Olympics played a crucial role in her gold-medal winning performance.
Hildebrandt, competing in the women’s 50kg freestyle category, dominated her way to the top of the podium, securing her first Olympic gold after previously earning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
In a recent interview on Justin Basch’s podcast, Hildebrandt spoke candidly about the invaluable support Drew provided throughout her Olympic journey.
Reflecting on her emotional experience, she emphasized how his presence helped her stay grounded and stress-free, which allowed her to perform at her very best.
"It's seriously amazing. Such like a game-changing thing and like for somebody to do that you know my sister also did the same thing for me in 2020. So, both of them being able to kind of put their lives and careers on hold and to come help me is like so selfless and I just it's hard to wrap my mind around how like amazing that is. But seriously having Drew there was everything," Hildebrandt said.
Sarah’s journey to gold in Paris was anything but easy, with tough matches against Mongolia’s Dolgorjavyn Otgonjargal, China's Feng Ziqi, and Algeria's Ibtissem Doudou.
Her final opponent, Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba, replaced India’s Vinesh Phogat, who had upset pre-event favorite Yui Susaki but later failed to make weight. In the final bout, Hildebrandt showcased her experience and determination, triumphing 5-0 to claim her first Olympic title.
The 30-year-old wrestler credited Drew’s calming presence and ability to offer perspective as essential to her success.
"People are familiar with him or know him, he is just like such a Vibe. He's just so lowkey and fun chill and like that's exactly what I needed,” she added.
Drew's laid-back nature provided a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of the Olympics, which helped Sarah feel more at ease during the most intense moments of her career.
Hildebrandt also highlighted how her brother’s support extended beyond the mat, helping her appreciate the significance of the experience and the deeper meaning behind her Olympic journey.
“It was like he just offered so much perspective of like this isn’t about gold medals or takedowns or perfect technique. He just at the end of the day, my family’s still there and we get to share this amazing experience together,” she shared.
The bond between the siblings, rooted in mutual support and encouragement, carried Sarah through the mental and emotional challenges of Olympic competition.
“It’s like such a huge life experience obviously. So, to share that in that way was like it was a constant relief from some of the pressure and stress of obviously what the Olympics brings up so. That was so cool. We just had so much fun. It was seriously the best time of my life,” she said, reflecting on her time in Paris.
Earlier in 2024, Drew Hildebrandt, a former Penn State wrestler and two-time All-American, had relocated to train alongside Sarah in preparation for the Games.
His move was a continuation of the unwavering support Sarah has always received from her family, with her sister Amy playing a similar role during the Tokyo Olympics.
Sarah acknowledged her siblings’ dedication in an Instagram post, writing: “It’s so damn cool that I’ve gotten to share this dream so closely with my family, and honestly, it’s a huge reason as to why I’ve been able to do this for so long. Their support is just bonkers!!”
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