Helen Maroulis x Eastbay’s ConqHER Campaign

If you are following Eastbay’s ConqHER Campaign, the women athletes are here to show the world that you can be a woman and have a dominating role in any sport that you choose, by not having to limit yourself to a “traditional” sport.

Recently, Made for the W had an opportunity to chat with Helen Maroulis. She is an American Freestyle Wrestler, and not only is she an amazing athlete, but she has gold medals to prove it. Helen won a gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games, she was a gold medalist at the 2015 World Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada and she is also the first American to win gold in women’s freestyle wrestling at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. And those are just a few highlights surrounding her career, while her wrestling career is still in full swing.

So we asked Helen some questions on women in sports, winning a gold medal and her favorite sneakers. Some advice that Helen would give to young girls in regards to wanting to compete in a “non-traditional” sport, Helen claimed, “Go after it, just go out and give it a go! Fall in love with the sport you want to compete in.”

We wanted to know what it was like to win a gold medal. Helen stated that winning gold was awesome! However, after winning the gold, most athletes are given a shoe deal. This was not the case for Helen in 2016, as she was told that there is not a market for a women’s wrestling shoe. That was disappointing to hear. But with the shift in women’s sports, we are all hoping this will change in due time, hopefully more sooner than later.

Of course we HAD to ask Helen what her favorite sneaker is. She said that loves Adidas and Nike shoes. Both good choices – comfy sneakers are a must!

Following Eastbay’s campaign, we wanted to know what does ConqHER mean to Helen? She said it means, “helping other women battle for equality and overcome challenges.” That’s a strong statement and so very true. We have come a long way, but we are still making room for young girls and women to be strong, successful, and have the freedom to go after any sports profession that they choose.

Keep your eyes on Helen Maroulis, as she hasn’t finished competing in wrestling and she wants other girls and women to know that even if you have to prove your worth, you can still succeed at any sports profession you choose.

Major shoutout to Eastbay for the opportunity to talk to Helen, as we are all excited for the ConqHER campaign and shining the light on women whose accomplishments are often overlooked.