Welker, Blades battle back for bronze at World Championships

A quartet of past/present Iowa women’s wrestlers took the mat in Zagreb, Croatia for the 2025 World Championships.

Half of them are returning home with a hardware for their efforts.

Both Kennedy Blades (68 kilograms) and Kylie Welker (76 kilograms) won bronze medals amidst fields comprised of the best wrestlers on the planet.

For Blades, it marked a first-career medal at the Senior World Championships in what was her debut on a stage second in prestige only to the Olympics (where she took silver last summer).

As for Welker, her 2025 bronze matches the one she earned last fall at 72 kilograms.

Both young Hawkeye/Team USA stars suffered heartbreaking quarterfinal losses to dash their dreams of gold. But when a door subsequently opened to go get the next best thing, both battled back with impressive resilience.

Macey Kilty (65kg) nearly fit the bill too. Unfortunately, a second agonizing defeat left her just inches away from medaling for the third consecutive year.

As for Felicity Taylor (53kg), an 0-1 exit belies both her journey to reach this stage, as well as her performance on it against the world-class opponent who ended her run.

Welcome to your Iowa women’s wrestling World Championships recap.

One ‘what-if’ minute sidetracks Welker’s World title aspirations

If you’d have told her coaches that Kylie Welker’s path to a gold medal would include the following opponents, they’d have signed up in a heartbeat:

• Round of 16 – Vanesa Georgieva (BUL)
• Quarterfinal – #1 Aiperi Medet Kyzy (KGZ)
• Semifinal – #5 Anastasiya Alpyeyeva (UKR)
• Final – #3 Genesis Reasco (ECU)

Welker had already beaten two of the wrestlers on that list – Alpyeyeva and Reasco (twice), Georgieva had little in the way of Senior (or age-level) credentials, and Medet Kyzy, while seeded first, had only medaled once (2017 bronze) in seven trips to the Olympics/World Championships.

Then again, you know what they say about the best laid plans…

As it turned out, Welker would only get to wrestle three of the women on that list – not even reaching the semifinal, much less the gold medal bout she’d set out for.

And for the second straight year, the 21-year-old would have to ‘settle’ for bronze on the World stage.

Here’s how it happened.

Kylie Welker – 76 kilograms (Day One)

As expected, Welker had little issue in her opening bout – a pin in 4:10 of Vanesa Georgieva (Bulgaria).

The Hawkeye led 4-0 just 10 seconds into the match thanks to a snatch single plus a gut wrench on the edge. From there, the action slowed however – with only one other committed shot from either competitor in the first period.

Georgieva’s reticence to attack was quickly reaffirmed after intermission, as Welker stuffed the Bulgarian’s first attempt and threw her to her back.

That set up a quarterfinal against the aforementioned #1 seed, Aiperi Medet Kyzy (Kyrgyzstan). And for nearly five minutes Kylie Welker looked to be the superior wrestler.

The Hawkeye controlled the pace/ties from the jump – capitalizing on a low single leg takedown mid-first period, then hitting a snap/single at nearly the exact same point in the second, driving Medet Kyzy out of bounds for a 3-0 lead.

But after that, everything changed.

Medet Kyzy began to take ground with about 1:40 left – consistently digging for an underhook whenever she could.

With 1:10 remaining it finally paid off.

Welker was driven to the edge and attempted a late hip-toss-type of throw as action carried out of bounds. After an official’s conference, a takedown was awarded to Medet Kyzy – meaning another point would give her the lead on criteria.

Once again, an underhook drove Welker to the edge. But this time a similar defensive tactic grounded the pair, and a restart was called with 0:24 remaining.

Five seconds after the whistle, Medet Kyzy forced yet another underhook. And like déjà vu, Welker attempted another counter-throw.

Medet Kyzy was prepared though, slipping her arm out for the go-behind takedown followed by a quick gut wrench out of bounds.

With just 0:09 left in the match, Welker trailed for the very first time (6-3).

Medet Kyzy scored once more before the horn off a desperation attempt by Welker – making the final score 8-3 in the Kyrgyzstani’s favor.

It cemented a devastating finish to a match that seemed for all the world to be Welker’s for the taking just moments earlier.

Thankfully for Welker, Medet Kyzy won her semifinal to pull the Hawkeye back into repechage.

Kylie Welker – 76 kilograms (Day Two)

The start to Day Two followed a similar script to its predecessor – early termination of an outmatched opponent.

The casualty this time was young Turkish wrestler, Elmira Yasin.

A two-time age-level World medalist, Yasin had nothing for a Hawkeye with her mind on winning the next best thing.

Welker blew things open early with a go-behind and a pair of trap arms. An eight-point lead at the break was punctuated shortly thereafter, as a snap-down/go-behind secured the 10-0 technical superiority win.

All that remained was the bronze medal bout against #5 Anastasya Alpyeyeva (Ukraine) – who’d also lost to Medet Kyzy (10-5 in the semifinals).

As I mentioned earlier, Welker owned a previous win over Alpyeyeva, 3-1 in last year’s U23 World semifinals. And she began their latest matchup looking very confident she could do it again.

A takedown and a turn in the opening 30 seconds gave Welker a lead she wouldn’t relinquish. And when a pair of second-period step outs drew Alpyeyeva within 4-2 with 0:24 left, Welker immediately countered an errant shot for a match-sealing go-behind.

After time expired, the seemingly conflicted Hawkeye raised three fingers as if to say, “It’s not what I came here for, but it’s the best I could salvage given the circumstances.”

In a post-tournament interview with USA Wrestling, the Iowa junior elaborated on her mixed emotions toward what transpired in Zagreb:

The participants of the eventual gold medal match between Medet Kyzy and Ecuador’s Genesis Reasco probably didn’t help either.

Medet Kyzy is self-explanatory following the quarterfinal lead that slipped away. Meanwhile, the last time Welker and Reasco met – in May at Pan-Ams – the Hawkeye stormed to a quick 10-0 victory.

A bitter pill to swallow, no doubt – but one you’d be foolish to assume Welker won’t come back stronger from.

Blades battles back after surprising quarterfinal blowout

Continuing the theme of disappointment/resiliency – international star Kennedy Blades faced the rare proposition of wrestling back for bronze herself.

The Chicago native hadn’t tasted defeat since the 2024 Olympic final. And in almost every match since, she’s dominated without much resistance.

That theme would be challenged at these World Championships.

What’s more, it’d be flipped on its head entirely in the quarterfinals – with Blades the recipient of the exact sort of thrashing she’s so used to doling out.

I’m not sure if anyone in the wrestling space predicted this sort of outcome at 68 kilograms. Though I will pat myself on the back as at least having pointed out the absurd depth/talent of this field – one that included nine previous World/Olympic medalists and four World champions.

So, allow me to take you through how it all played out – from the expected start, through the harsh adversity and the redemptive (if bittersweet) conclusion.

Kennedy Blades – 68 kilograms (Day One)

All the proverbial trains were running on time as Blades kicked off her Senior World Championships debut.

India’s Radhika Radhika was overwhelmed by the American, who hit pretty much whatever she wanted during the 98 seconds they spent together on the mat:

Kennedy Blades making it look like practice out there in the opening rounds of the #worldchampionships pic.twitter.com/a8Xk0myZJo

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) September 17, 2025

An 11-0 winner, focus quickly turned toward a far more daunting challenge to follow.

That challenge was Ami Ishii – the ‘unseeded’ rep for Japan who’d smashed two opponents en route to the quarterfinals.

As detailed in my tournament preview, Ishii’s unseeded status was purely the result of UWW’s point system regarding seeding at the World Championships.

A 2024 World champion at 72 kilograms (where she defeated Kylie Welker via 12-1 technical superiority), Ishii should’ve been viewed as a co-favorite (at minimum) with Blades entering the tournament.

And having now seen the two wrestle, one could argue even that description was somewhat unflattering.

Full stop, Ishii dominated this matchup from start to finish.

Go ahead and watch for yourself:

Ishii struck first with a low single, besting Blades in the ensuing scramble and earning an additional exposure for a 4-0 lead just 35 seconds into the match. And that was just the beginning.

Ishii nearly scored again a minute later, and after a restart wouldn’t miss her next chance.

A beautiful drag/go-behind left Blades grasping for air, and she only regained her wits just in time to fend off a second leg lace that would’ve ended the match less than two minutes in.

The Hawkeye’s lone point of the bout came when she drove Ishii out of bounds with a double from space, but even that – her patented move – was a struggle.

Just before the break, Ishii went from her own apparent danger to nearly ending the match once more – taking down Blades and locking up another lace that may’ve been saved by the first-period buzzer.

Trailing 10-1 and perhaps stunned as mentally as she’d been physically, Blades took a few passing attempts at a leg before Ishii scored an easy go-behind to clinch the win.

Just 54 seconds into the second period the reigning Olympic silver medalist had been soundly defeated.

To be fair, other than a closer-than-expected final – won 4-2 over an opponent whom Blades defeated (6-2) earlier this summer – Ishii treated Blades about the same as she did everyone else in Zagreb.

During the Japanese star’s run to a title, she outscored five opponents by a combined margin of 48-3.

Getting back to Blades though, the question was, how would she respond to such a stunning and comprehensive defeat?

As it turns out, pretty darn well.

Kennedy Blades – 68 kilograms (Day Two)

Blades’ first repechage match in ages came in the form of Ukrainian Manola Skobelska – eighth at Worlds in 2023 (72kg).

From the jump, the Hawkeye’s mindset was evident – attack.

Even as her pace slowed a bit in the second period, Blades was still searching for offense in the final moments.

The result – a decisive 9-2 victory in which she was never threatened. The only points Blades allowed were on a pair of inadvertent step outs.

With the win, a championship-caliber bronze medal bout was set.

The opponent? 2023 World champion and top-seeded Buse Tosun (Türkiye).

When it was over one thing was for certain – Blades’ final performance at these World Championships was by far and away her best one.

Once again, Blades was the aggressor – building a 5-0 lead at the break through persistent offense plus some savvy edge wrestling.

As desperation began to set it, Tosun’s only response appeared to be pressure, pressure, pressure.

Blades knew it (and capitalized on it) too.

Multiple times Blades entered/neared the zone, but almost like clockwork she’d time Tosun’s next charge for points of her own. The last such instance capped a 12-1 demolition of the four-time World/Olympic medalist.

As with Welker, Blades gave an interview with USA Wrestling post-tournament. Despite the disappointment of her quarterfinal loss (and missing out on gold), the 22-year-old sounds eager to get back on the mat against Ami Ishii and the rest of the world’s best at 68 kilograms.

That should make wrestling fans eager too – because if this initial response to adversity is any indication than Blades’ next appearance on the World stage could be something to behold.

Razor-thin margin(s) keep Kilty from third consecutive medal

A third member of the Hawkeye contingent came oh-so-close to matching Blades/Welker with a podium finish – if not surpassing them by a step or two.

Macey Kilty entered these World Championships as the #2 seed at 65 kilograms, having medaled at the weight in both 2023 (silver) and 2024 (bronze). And even amidst a hellacious bracket she was as good a bet as anyone to advance deep in the tournament.

As it turned out, the field was arguably even deeper/tougher than I gave it credit for – which Kilty quickly confronted.

All told, the Wisconsin native wrestled three different World/Olympic medalists in Croatia – outscoring them by a combined margin of 15-11. And yet, a 1-2 record and a fifth-place finish was what she’ll return home with.

(As if any of us needed an additional reminder as to just how tough this sport can be.)

The journey went something like this.

Macey Kilty – 65 kilograms (Day One)

In a field that included five other World/Olympic medalists besides Kilty – including three previous World champions – Alina Kasabieva, a Russian competing under the UWW (United World Wrestling) banner, was not among the top contenders on most people’s minds entering the week.

This, despite plenty of age-level accolades – i.e. U23 World bronze/silver (2023-24), U20 gold (2021) and U17 bronze (2019).

Before this year, Kasabieva just hadn’t put it all together at a major Senior international event…yet.

But that all changed in Zageb, starting with an opening Round of 16 bout against Kilty.

The Hawkeye appeared off to a promising start, elevating an early single leg in pursuit of a takedown. But Kasabieva countered the danger in high-flying fashion, somersaulting backwards to throw Kilty to her back for four points. Kilty stayed on the leg throughout the sequence and eventually secured two points of her own, but an early hole had been dug.

It’d get even deeper when Kasabieva snuck out of a front headlock position for a takedown and a 6-2 lead at the break.

Undeterred, Kilty came out firing – utilizing an underhook that became her go-to throughout the match. It took about a minute for her to get a takedown, battling through Kasabieva’s considerable defenses. 15 seconds later she’d do it again, converting a low single-leg attempt to pull even at 6-6.

But having given up a four-pointer to start the match, the criteria advantage went to Kasabieva – meaning Kilty needed to score once more.

Unfortunately for the Hawkeye, despite her hot start to the period that task proved elusive for the remaining 1:45.

Kilty’s best opportunity came with about a minute to go, as she drove Kasabieva to the zone with an underhook. Yet again, Kasabieva used savvy defense to navigate the danger. And she’d continue to do so until time ran out – keeping Kilty at bay to secure the upset.

‘Upset’ is a relative term, of course. Because as it turns out, Kasabieva proved her talent all tournament long.

That benefited Kilty too, as she was pulled back into repechage by way of Kasabieva reaching the final – defeating the #7 and #3 seeds by fall and technical superiority respectively.

Macey Kilty – 65 kilograms (Day Two)

With new life and another day to wrestle, there’d be no time to ease your way in.

Awaiting Kilty was #7 Grace Bullen (Norway) – a three-time World/Olympic medalist (2022-24) who was arguably a late-match blunder away from winning gold in Paris last summer.

These two met back in July at a Ranking Series event in Hungary. There, a wild 24-point match ensued, with Bullen securing the win via fall in the final moments.

This time, Kilty was far more cognizant of the explosive Norwegian – and even after giving up an opening step out it was the American who controlled the pace/positioning throughout.

Late in the first period, Bullen flipped that position on the edge, putting Kilty in danger of giving up another point. But the Hawkeye managed to tightrope the edge and go behind for a takedown (and lead) just before intermission.

In the second, Kilty continued to take ground, which put Bullen on the activity clock. And right as that clock was expiring, the Hawkeye hit a sweet single leg exposing Bullen’s back for four points.

Not content yet, Kilty climbed up the Norwegian into a pinning position and secured the fall.

With the win, Kilty reached the bronze medal match – where she’d look to win a World medal for the third-consecutive year.

But much like in her opening bout of these World Championships, she’d be denied by the narrowest of margins.

The opponent this time was Mongolia’s #3 Enkhjin Tuvshinjargal – the back-to-back runner up at the Asian Championships.

After lots of hard hand fighting, Kilty took a 2-0 lead using a clean sweep single. Shortly before intermission, Tuvshinjargal responded – capitalizing on an errant shot by the American for a go-behind.

Yet again, Kilty trailed on criteria with plenty of time to pull back in front. But yet again, she just couldn’t quite find the point she needed.

With 0:50 to go, Kilty began to sprint, following a single leg attempt with a double from space. Eventually she found her way to a leg, with the Mongolian in a pseudo splits position as Kilty attempted to collect the far ankle.

Not appearing to favor the position, Kilty came back up around the waist and attempted to limp arm out with a little more than 20 seconds remaining. But instead, Tuvshinjargal capitalized for a score of her own.

Now needing two points instead of one with short time remaining, Kilty didn’t get another chance.

Here resume may read ‘fifth place’ at the 2025 World Championships, but the truth is she was as good as any wrestler in the field – other than perhaps gold medalist Miwa Morikawa of Japan.

From Carver to the World Championships 🇺🇸

Congratulations to @_macethegreat_ on finishing 5th at her third Senior Worlds competition 🤍

📷: @USAWrestling pic.twitter.com/s0iwMvOT5H

— Iowa Women's Wrestling (@IowaW_Wrestling) September 17, 2025

That’s how tough/unforgiving this tournament is.

Taylor’s tough draw contributes to early exit

As I posited during our Women’s Freestyle preview, it was going to be treacherous road to navigate wherever Felicity Taylor got drawn into the bracket at 53 kilograms.

With seven previous World/Olympic medalists in the field, a brutal matchup would await just about everywhere you look. And wouldn’t you know it, the Spillville, Iowa native got one of them right from the jump in reigning World silver medalist Jin Zhang (China).

As you might expect, the 2024 national champion for the Hawkeyes had a tough time gaining a foothold against her world-class opponent. But even so, Taylor hand fought hard for the opening three minutes and utilized some incredible grittiness to stave off a standing leg lace attempt that could’ve blown things open.

Trailing 2-0 after intermission, her deficit soon doubled as Zhang eventually converted a single leg for a takedown. Once again, Taylor found herself fighting off a tight leg lace. And once again, she somehow managed to do so.

The Hawkeye’s best scoring chance of the bout occurred next, when Taylor rose to her feet after powering Zhang to the edge on a double leg attempt. But the 2024 silver medalist countered with a gnarly chest wrap – throwing Taylor to her back for four points.

Another takedown soon after sealed the 10-0 technical superiority defeat, and left Taylor hoping Zhang could reach the final to pull her back into repechage.

Unfortunately – and as I believe I’ve already mentioned – 53kg had heavy hitters everywhere. And as such, Zhang’s run ended two bouts later in the quarterfinals where she ran up against star youngster Antim Antim (India).

Now a two-time World bronze medalist after this week, Antim secured a last-second takedown to defeat Zhang (9-8), which simultaneously ended Taylor’s World Championships debut after just a single match.

Short time

With the Senior World Championships having concluded only one event remains on the 2024-25 calendar for the Iowa women – U23 Worlds next month in Novi Sad, Serbia (October 22-25).

As many as three Hawkeyes – Brianna Gonzalez (53kg), Kennedy Blades (68kg) and Kylie Welker (76kg) have earned spots on Team USA should they choose to accept them.

(Blades indicated post-tournament that she was currently undecided on competing at U23’s.)

Other than that, the next competition on the Iowa wrestling calendar will be the start of the 2025-26 NCAA season.

(I know. It’s about that time, folks…)

Thanks as always to you guys for reading – not to mention following along with my coverage over the past week.

The seven-hour time difference made for a lot of early mornings and long days. But of course, it was worth it to watch these Hawkeyes pursue their dreams against the best wrestlers in the world.

Anyway, that’ll do it for me.

Keep an eye out for plenty of coverage in the leadup to the NCAA season (plus U23 Worlds), and if you haven’t already, feel free to check out my recap of the three Hawkeye men who competed in Croatia last week.

This has been a lot of fun.

So, thank you again and I’ll talk to you guys real soon.