CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kirkwood High sophomore wrestler Janiya Johnson defeated Kali Manuel, the No. 1 ranked female wrestler in the 155 weight class, to secure the 16U Folkstyle National Championship on Sunday.
“Winning Folkstyle Nationals is an incredible feeling,” said Johnson. “It’s proves that all the hard work, sacrifices, and hours I’ve put in on and off the mat. Every tournament is another step toward my bigger goals, and this win just proves that I belong at the top.”
Johnson stepped as an underdog, but as she has done her whole career, she defied the odds. Johnson is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation in her weight class according to FLOWrestling, but that’s a number she expects to go up soon.
“I respect my opponent, but I came in prepared and confident,” said Johnson. “I’ve been training for moments like this, and stepping up to take down the No. 1 girl just fuels my drive to keep pushing and proving myself.”
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