National Champions Q&A: Sally Roberts

John Fuller TheMat.com
06/03/2005

Sally Roberts is the classic case of what is still wrong with women’s wrestling internationally. In 2003, she won a World bronze medal. However, it was at a non-Olympic weight class, one of the three weights not in the Olympic Games. So when 2004 came around, Roberts had to choose to move up or down in weight. She moved up, and while competitive, it was too much for her to handle by her own admission. Now, Roberts is back at 59 kg/130 lbs., and she won her second U.S. Nationals title this year. TheMat.com sat down with Roberts and spoke to her about her weight class, and winning her second national title. TheMat.com: You were a national champion two years ago, but last year switched weight classes because of the Olympics and placed third. Do you feel that much more comfortable at 130 lbs.? Roberts: I do because it takes a lot more effort. I just have to be more involved in my wrestling and my wrestling career. I have to do everything right to make 130 lbs., which brings everything together with my training and my nutrition. TheMat.com: We’ve seen your international success over the last couple of years, but how much more does beating an Olympian in Tela O’Donnell solidify your national title? Roberts: I definitely gives my weight a little bit more credibility. But at the same time, she’s just another wrestler and it’s one more person I have to beat in order to become a World champion. TheMat.com: Being a non-Olympic year, do you think that your weight class, both in the U.S. and internationally, has gotten a lot deeper? Roberts: It has. When I went around and counted all the weight classes, my weight had more people than anyone else’s. When I went overseas, there are some quality competitors at this weight. TheMat.com: What has been the biggest improvement you have made in the last year of your training? Roberts: Mental toughness and how to overcome injuries and setbacks. I think that even a good excuse is still an excuse, and that just doesn’t sit well with me. TheMat.com: Who has had the biggest influence on you in your career? Roberts: My biggest influence has been Terry Steiner because I didn’t actually start wrestling in my mind until I got out to the training center. He has the one who has honed my skills and put us through these ridiculous workouts. He has been invaluable to my career so far. And as an athlete, it’s always good to have someone sitting in your career who really believes you can be the best you can be. TheMat.com: How long do you plan to stay at 130 lbs.? Roberts: I really, in my heart, believe they are going to put the rest of the weight classes in for the Olympic Games, so I would like to stay here. I feel that I fit at 130 comfortably and I plan to stay there as long as I can. And in the event that they decide not to add 59 kilos as an Olympic weight class, then I will talk to my coaches and decide when the right time is to make a move up or down.