John Fuller/TheMat.com
Many media members put Tina George on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team before she actually earned the spot. In the Olympic Trials, she was defeated by Tela O’Donnell for a birth on the first-ever women’s Olympic team in wrestling.
After recovering from those tough losses, George, a two-time World silver medalist, is back on track to represent the U.S. She captured her second consecutive U.S. Nationals title at 55 kg/121 lbs. this year and is hungry to get back on the U.S. World Team.
TheMat.com sat down with George and spoke with her about those losses at the Olympic Trials, and her future within wrestling.
TheMat.com: You’ve not won two straight U.S. Nationals titles and three overall. Do you feel yourself separating more from your competition?
George: I hope to separate myself from my opponents, but I am not quite there yet. I am more focused on the fact that I have not gone to the World Championships and Olympics after winning the last two titles.
TheMat.com: Has your motivation for this year come from not being on the Olympic Team last year or have you put it behind you?
George: I don’t think it is possible to completely put missing the team behind me. I have however refocused on my goal of a World Championship and Olympic championship. Missing the team was a major setback but wrestling is about overcoming adversity and I hope to turn last year’s disappointment into a motivational story in 2008.
TheMat.com: In your mind, how would you have done at the Olympic Games last year?
George: After comparing my past results with those that won medals I feel confident that I would have been in a great position to bring home another medal.
TheMat.com: What have you learned from your experiences last year?
George: I learned to give my best day in and day out and to enjoy the thrill of wrestling. Most importantly, I learned to rebound from adversity with integrity and determination.
TheMat.com: How has the Army’s World-Class Athlete Program (WCAP) helped you throughout your career?
George: WCAP has provided not only myself but other athletes the opportunity to compete on the international level. While competing, we represent a positive image of the Army around the world as well a provide the Army with a useful recruiting tool.
TheMat.com: What are your thoughts on the new rules?
George: I think that the new rule are beneficial to my particular style of wrestling which as very aggressive. I am more excited about wrestling all of the matches in one day. The new rules force weight control for optimal performance which I think is most beneficial to me.
TheMat.com: How much longer do you plan to compete?
George: I can only say that I am committing through the 2008 Olympics.
TheMat.com: Where do you see women’s wrestling being at in another four years, after it will be in its second Olympic Games?
George: I see the technical aspect of women’s wrestling developing at a very fast pace. Already the technical aspect has changed tremendously and shows a growing number of participants.
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