Wrestling from the age of 12
A profile of Ruby Dominguez
Katelin H, Los Angeles
Ruby Dominguez is a 16 year old wrestler who started off by doing Jiu Jitsu but began to wrestle when she got older. Ruby says she chose to do it because she knew it would make her tougher and stronger as an athlete and she has now been doing it for four years.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WRESTLING?
“I would definitely say the best part of the sport is the lessons you learn along the way, for example, I have learned to focus on the little techniques to benefit my overall matches.”
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED THROUGHOUT THE SPORT?
“One of the biggest challenges I have faced is weight cutting. When I tell people I have to lose 5 pounds in 2 days, they often think I’m joking or crazy. But it’s what I have to get used to.”
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF WRESTLING?
“One of the most difficult parts of wrestling is the mental battle you have to fight with yourself before every match, because at the end of the day it’s really you against yourself.”
While it is traditionally a male-dominated sport, participation by girls and women is on the rise – particularly since women’s wrestling became an Olympic sport in 2004. Ruby is one of a growing number of girls who are breaking into wrestling.
Ruby says, “If I was talking to someone who wanted to get into the sport, I would definitely encourage them to. It will teach you a lot about yourself and make you a strong athlete and person.”
RUBY’S STORY CAN INSPIRE OTHER GIRLS TO GET INTO WRESTLING.
Katelin H is is a Los Angeles-based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the Los Angeles participants here
Related: Wrestle Like a Girl is a nonprofit organization with a vision to increase access and opportunities for girls and women, worldwide.