KENNEDY BLADES

Kennedy Blades, born on September 4, 2003, in Chicago, Illinois, has been a trailblazer in the world of wrestling from a young age. Starting her athletic journey with Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of four, she transitioned to wrestling at seven. Training often against boys due to the scarcity of female competitors, Kennedy’s early determination and skill set the stage for a remarkable career. She attended Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania, the first American high school with a girls’ wrestling program.

During her high school years, she competed internationally, facing opponents from Japan, Russia, Estonia, Austria, and Sweden. Her list of achievements grew rapidly, including U.S. Cadet National Champion in 2018 and U16, U17, and Junior National Champion titles in 2019.

Notably, she became the first female to win the IKWF Illinois state title against boys.

Kennedy’s breakout moment came at the age of 17 when she finished as the runner-up at the U.S. trials for the 2020 Summer Olympics, losing to eventual Olympic gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock. This stunning performance solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor.

Upon graduating high school, Kennedy joined the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club and enrolled at Arizona State University. Her collegiate and senior wrestling career has been decorated with numerous titles and medals, including Junior World Champion in 2021 (72 kg), Gold Medalist at the U20 World Championship in 2021, Silver Medalist at the U23 World Championship in 2023, and US Open Champion in 2023. She also won the gold medal at the Ibrahim Moustafa Tournament in 2023.

In 2024, Kennedy qualified for the Summer Olympics after defeating 2020 Olympic medalist Adeline Gray at the U.S. Olympic trials. Her Olympic journey is guided by her coach, Israel Martinez from IzzyStyle Wrestling, based out of Chicago. Beyond her personal achievements, Kennedy is deeply committed to growing the sport of wrestling and inspiring the next generation of female wrestlers. She aims to leave a lasting legacy, emphasizing the importance of dedication and passion. Kennedy states, “I envision my legacy to leave an enormous impact on the growth of women’s wrestling and all the little girls’ lives I can change.”

Kennedy’s sister, Karina, is also a wrestler, showcasing a family deeply involved in the sport. Her journey from a small wrestling club in Chicago to the global stage exemplifies her relentless pursuit of excellence and her role as a beacon of inspiration for future champions.

Kennedy Blades continues to train and compete, representing the United States and aiming for gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.