U20 World champion Cristelle Rodriguez overcame pressure, doubt to reignite wrestling career

“She’s the face of the program,” Vote noted. “She’s basically been here from ground zero and she leads by example. She’s a great leader for the rest of the girls in the room. She’s well-spoken across campus and has made an impact on the entire student body and administration. The whole campus supports her. It’s really neat to see.”

From Vote’s perspective, there was a clear pivot point when Rodriguez altered the trajectory of her wrestling career. The spark was lit by her third-place finish at NAIA’s and was amplified by a 0-1 outing at the 2023 U20 World Championships in Amman, Jordan. After these two disappointing outings by her standards, Rodriguez fully bought in to the lifestyle it takes to be a champion. She upped her game in critical areas like strength training, nutrition, academic performance and preparation in the wrestling room.

“From a coach’s standpoint, I couldn’t ask for anything more out of her. Anything I ask, she buys in. It’s a total investment. She does a great job,” Vote said.

The commitment to excellence from Rodriguez was on full display at the 2024 U20 World Championships held early September in Pontevedra, Spain. She catapulted herself to the status of World champion by bonusing her way through the event, much like she did months earlier at the NAIA’s.

The gold medal was solidified with an emphatic 58-second pin against Mongolia’s Khaliun Byambasuren in the championship bout at 55 kg. In the moment, Rodriguez wasn’t in disbelief at what she just accomplished. She exuded the strength and confidence of a champion as she carried the American Flag around center mat.

“Going into the match knowing anything can happen, trusting in my wrestling more than the other person, so as long as I’m attacking and moving my feet, I believe that no one can stop me,” Rodriguez said.

Her performance in Spain symbolized a full circle transformation from high school phenom who carried the burden of success and wilted under its pressure to college star who is a leader among her Team USA peers.

U.S. National Women’s Freestyle Developmental Coach Jessica Medina, who coached Rodriguez at all three of her age-group World Championships, credits Rodriguez for fighting through past experiences and embracing the challenges put in her path.

“To me, [Rodriguez] is a testament of a true story of resilience and what you can do when you have people behind you and support, who care about you, and help you get back on your feet…I’m happy that she is back in the sport and she’s on this trajectory to make, hopefully, World Teams and Olympic Teams at the Senior level,” Medina said.

After a banner 2024 season that resulted in her U20 World title, a NAIA title, an appearance at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, and a silver medal at the Senior level Grand Prix of Spain, Rodriguez is poised to take another step toward stardom in women’s wrestling. It all starts with belief in herself as a strong, confident woman—traits the sport of wrestling helped her develop.

“You’ll always find the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it feels like the tunnel is closing on you fast. Just keep pushing,” Rodriguez said.

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This feature is part of USA Wrestling’s ongoing content series to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Stay tuned to USA Wrestling’s website and social media platforms for continued coverage of Hispanic Heritage Month as we spotlight the contributions to wrestling made by this unique community of individuals.