LAS VEGAS – Simon Fraser University alumna wrestler Helen Maroulis won her first world title in women's freestyle wrestling at the 2015 World Championships on Thursday night before a boisterous crowd of 5,000 fans at the Orleans Arena.
 
The top-ranked Maroulis, competing for USA, put on a takedown clinic in the finals. She peppered 2014 World silver medalist Irina Ologonova of Russia with an aggressive style, scoring on an array of leg attacks en route to an 11-0 technical fall win at 55 kg/121 lbs.
 
Maroulis ran around the mat holding an American flag above her head in celebration of her breakthrough victory.
 
"The crowd was incredible," Maroulis said. "I was excited before every match because I knew the crowd was going to be cheering. Every coach I've ever had since I was 7 years old is in the stands today. I was just so excited. I couldn't wait to walk out of the tunnel and get on the mat and just wrestle. It's just been great to have it here in Las Vegas."
 
At the World Championships, Maroulis rolled to a 10-0 first-round win over Mexico's Brenda Fernandez Salazar. Maroulis stormed out to a big lead before pinning third-ranked Evelina Nikolova of Bulgaria in the quarterfinals. Maroulis beat China's Qianyu Pang 5-0 in the semifinals.
 
Maroulis competed for Simon Fraser, winning four consecutive collegiate national crowns. In her senior year in 2014 she made history along with Victoria Anthony. Both wrestlers won their fourth national titles at the WCWA Women's College Nationals. Maroulis, from Rockville, MD, captured the 130-pound weight class.
 
 -- Courtesy USA Wrestling, Craig Sesker