Hildebrandt Into the Olympic Finals After Avenging Past Losses

A year ago, Sarah Hildebrandt was in the world semifinals against Mongolia’s Otgonjargal Dolgorjav. The result didn’t fall her way and Dolgorjav advanced to the world finals after a 7-5 victory. That loss was Hildebrandt’s most recent setback; however, she had a chance to avenge that loss today and move one step closer to wrestling immortality and an Olympic gold medal. 

Hildebrandt grabbed an early lead after snapping and spinning against Dolgorjav and never looked back. She added to the lead, scoring on a reshot at the edge. Dolgorjav was also docked a caution point for fleeing as Hildebrandt was finishing the scoring sequence which gave her a 5-0 lead. Hildebrandt also got a par terre restart; however, there were only a few seconds remaining in the opening period and not enough time to lock up one of her traditional leg laces. 

Throughout the contest, Hildebrandt used her superior length to keep the shorter Dolgorjav at bay and herself away from danger. That was evident in the second period, as was Hildebrandt's defense. Dolgorjav got to Hildebrandt’s legs multiple times in the final stanza; however, her rubber knee defense prevented the Mongolian from converting the takedown. 

Dolgorjav threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Hildebrandt in the final period trying a duckunder and arm spin, all to no avail. 

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Hildebrandt looked at the camera and showed off her smile - a feature that’s almost as synonymous as her leg lace. Hildebrandt knew she was in no danger and into the Olympic finals. 

When it was all said and done, the bout ended with a 5-0 score as Dolgorjav was shut out in the second period. That period, and the entire match, was a masterclass in defense. 

Hildebrandt has already clinched her second Olympic medal - though she’s not content with settling for silver. 

To win gold, she’ll need to go through the red-hot Vinesh Phogat of India. Early this morning, Phogat sent shockwaves through the wrestling community when she upset the returning Olympic champion Yui Susaki (Japan). Phogat moved on to finals after posting a 5-0 win over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba.