World champion wrestler Adeline Gray - "Heart is what makes a champion"

Adelina Gray represents Mumbai Garuda in the Pro Wrestling League

She would thrash any opponent on the mat, but in real life she it is business as usual. Meet Adeline Gray of the wrestler from United States, graduate of business from the DeVry University in Downers Grove, Illinois (US) who has represented US in six world championships.

She is the winner of gold medals at the Tashkent (2014) and Las Vegas this year world championships. She is all set to don the colours of Mumbai Garuda in the inaugural season of the Pro Wrestling League.

Adeline spoke to Sportskeeda about herself and the sport as she gets ready for her first visit to the country.

Joe Williams: You started at a very early stage (6 years) what is that which has kept you making marks in very step you have taken

Adeline Gray: I have fallen in love with this character building sport and enjoy discovering new moves.

JW: How was it to hone the skills of wrestling with the boys when you were in Colorado High school?

AG: I have competed against boys for years and they are the best at sports. You get better wrestling the best.

JW: Many are of the feeling that academics and sports don’t go along, but you have been exception? What is that which secret behind?

AG: I have amazing parents that instilled the importance of education and told me I could not do sports unless my grades were where they should be. I'm a so excited to be graduating from my University with my degree in Business and win Olympic Gold in the same year!

JW: Tell us more about your three sisters, Geneva, Izabella and Gabriella what are they doing are they grapplers as well?

AG: My sisters are so great! They keep me happy and all have their own paths they excel at. Geneva is a wrestling coach, graduated college and works full time and plays soccer on the side. Gabriella is at the Air Force Academy and plays soccer and is my travel and shopping buddy. Izabella is acting at her university and she makes me laugh so often.

JW: Your father George was the first to introduce you into this sport. Is he also a grappler and what the highest level he has reached.

AG: My dad wrestled through high school and a little at the University Level! He has now been to six world championships with me and coached me for the first ten years of my career.

JW: Tell us more about your family, what is the your father’s profession and mother?

AG: My dad is a detective for the Denver Police Department and my mother works at a family owned business called Old Western Paint in Denver, Colorado.

JW: You are coming to India, will this be your first visit what is that you have heard of India?

AG: This is my first trip to India and I am excited to see the cultural and taste the food.

JW: What according to you makes a champions.

AG: Heart is the biggest thing I see in champions. Not only have one, but use it over and over again.