Esther Kolawole Clinches Gold at Spanish Wrestling Grand Prix
Nigerian wrestling star Esther Kolawole delivered a resounding statement ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics with a dominant performance at the 2024 Spanish Wrestling Grand Prix, clinching gold in spectacular fashion.
Kolawole was in unstoppable form in the 62kg category, overpowering her opponents with precision and power throughout the tournament. In Saturday’s final, she dismantled American Haylie Jaffe 10-0 by superiority, sealing the gold medal without conceding a single point.
“It feels amazing to see the hard work paying off,” Kolawole said after her victory. “This is just the beginning. I’m focused on Paris, and this win gives me more confidence.”
Already qualified for the Paris Olympics, Kolawole showed championship form in Madrid. She began her campaign with a commanding 10-0 victory over Spain’s Lydia Perez in the quarter-finals, edged past Poland’s Alicja Nowosad 4-1 in a tightly contested semi-final, and closed the tournament with her emphatic final win.
This gold medal represents a significant leap for the 22-year-old, who had settled for bronze at the same event in 2023.
“This is a different Esther from last year,” remarked one official from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF). “Her growth has been phenomenal, and we’re proud of what she’s becoming on the world stage.”
The Spanish Grand Prix, held from July 4 to 7 in Madrid, forms part of Kolawole’s preparation for a busy international calendar, including the World Wrestling Ranking Series in Budapest, Hungary on July 14, and the World Championships in Croatia this September.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation’s renewed strategy of increasing international exposure for its athletes appears to be yielding dividends. Kolawole’s gold adds to Nigeria’s medal tally, with compatriot Christinah Ogunsanya also securing bronze in the 53kg category.
“Every international competition sharpens us,” Kolawole added. “I’m grateful for the support of the Federation and my coaches. We’re not just competing—we’re coming to win.”
As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Kolawole’s dominant showing in Madrid sends a clear signal: Nigeria has a serious medal contender on the global wrestling stage.
