CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Janiya Johnson, a sophomore wrestler at Kirkwood High School, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the Who’s Number One (WNO) Wrestling competition held over the weekend, which is an event that takes place between the nation’s top wrestlers at each weight class.
For Johnson, she defeated Sarah Pulk 10-0 after wrapping up her opponent with a single leg lace. After clinching her victory, Johnson flexed and smiled as she was named WNO Champion.
“It was a great opportunity to wrestle at WNO, I worked really hard for this moment,” Johnson told Clarksville Now. “To wrestle and beat one of the toughest girls in the nation was awesome.”
Johnson is only the second wrestler from Tennessee to win in their weight class at WNO, and the first female from Tennessee. Now, the sophomore will turn to TSSAA wrestling and try to defend both her state and national championship title in the 155-weight class.