Fans, get ready to cheer louder than ever because arguably the most decorated athlete in U.S. women’s freestyle wrestling history is back in the spotlight! This Rockville, Maryland, native has etched her name in gold—literally—with a trio of Olympic medals: gold at the 2016 Rio Games, bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and another bronze in Paris 2024. Who are we talking about? Well, none other than Helen Maroulis. But just when we thought we knew her story, a twist has thrown us all for a loop—so what sparked the retirement rumors?
As the first American woman to win multiple Olympic wrestling medals, Maroulis has been a trailblazer, dominating the 53-kg, 57-kg, and 58-kg weight classes with tenacity. Her resume also boasts World Championship titles, including a gold in 2015, cementing her legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent. Well, the rumors were swirling that Helen Maroulis might hang up her singlet for good, and it caught every fan off guard!
The speculation gained traction after a quieter period following her Paris 2024 bronze, with some wondering if the 33-year-old icon was ready to step away from the mat. Then, on April 18, 2025, Justin Basch dropped a bombshell. Proclaiming, “NOT DONE YET! MAROULIS ACCEPTS FINAL X BERTH” alongside an image of Maroulis in her USA gear, signaling she’s far from finished. But what’s fueling this comeback, and how is she proving the doubters wrong?
Not done yet! 3x Olympic Medalist @Helenmaroulis21 has accepted her automatic berth to Final X, where she’ll look to make her 12TH World Team. pic.twitter.com/zfqKyTTOke
— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) April 18, 2025
Here’s the play-by-play, folks: Maroulis is silencing the skeptics by accepting an automatic berth to Final X, a clear sign she’s got more fire in the tank! As a 2022 World Silver Medalist, she earned this direct ticket to the high-stakes event, where she’ll battle for a spot on her 12th U.S. World Team in the 57-kg weight class.
The announcement, also posted on Insta by USAWrestling, says, “3x Olympic medalist @helen_maroulis is in for Final X“, revealing the dates and venue for June 14 at Newark, N.J. With this move, Maroulis isn’t just refuting retirement—she’s rewriting her legacy—but how shall it turn out for her at Final X?
What does it mean for Helen Maroulis to participate in Final X
Well, while Helen Maroulis is stepping into the ring for Final X, the stakes couldn’t be higher! This electrifying event will crown the 2025 U.S. Senior World Team across two international disciplines—men’s freestyle and women’s freestyle—featuring a total of 20 weight classes, with 10 in each. The top two U.S. athletes in each weight class, including Maroulis at 57 kg, will slug it out in a best-of-three series.
The winner will secure their spot as the U.S. representative at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. For a three-time Olympic medalist—gold in 2016, bronze in 2020 and 2024—this is more than a match; it’s a chance to add another chapter to her legendary career. But who will she face in this high-octane showdown?
Scheduled to light up New York City, this event not only showcases top-tier talent but also raises over $1 million annually to empower local youth wrestling programs. Maroulis has owned this stage, boasting an impeccable 8-0 record at BTSNY Annual Benefit events since 2012, including a standout 4-1 victory in 2018 against Nigeria’s four-time Senior World medalist Odunayo Adekuoroye.
Her last appearance in 2022 saw her dominate Alex Hedrick with back-to-back 10-0 technical falls at Final X New York. However, Maroulis’ Final X opponent will be locked in on April 25, 2025, at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the anticipation is off the charts! The women’s freestyle 57 kg champion emerging from this prestigious tournament will advance to take on Maroulis in a best-of-three series at Final X.
With her automatic berth secured as a 2022 World Silver Medalist, Maroulis is already in the driver’s seat, but the identity of her challenger adds a layer of suspense. Will it be a rising star or a seasoned rival ready to test her mettle? Either way, the Las Vegas mat is about to heat up! As the Zagreb World Championships loom, can Maroulis turn this opportunity into gold once again?
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