After an unexpected triumph at the 2026 European Championship, 19-year-old Ukrainian wrestler Maria Efremova became one of the main heroines of the tournament. The debut at the adult level ended immediately “gold”and her path to the title lay through experienced and titled opponents.
In a conversation with “Champion” Efremova spoke frankly about the emotions after the victory, the special motivation in the skirmishes against the representatives of the aggressor countries, the connection with her native Bakhmut, and her goals for the future.
– This is the debut award of the adult European championship for you. Is there already an awareness that everything worked out?
– At first I was in a stupor, but then, when it still reached me that you became the champion, you defeated experienced opponents, you did it, I had a flurry of emotions. I was very happy that I was able to do it for myself, my family and my country, and most importantly, I was able to do it for the sake of Donetsk region, for my native land, Bakhmut.
– There are always special feelings before the final, what was the most difficult for you in this fight?
– I think it was most important to adjust, because when I went to the carpet, I knew what and for whom I was fighting.
– You were born in Bakhmut, a hero city that was literally wiped off the face of the earth by the Russians. Now you need to go out and fight them. Do victories over a neutral bring you special satisfaction?
– Of course, it’s especially nice. When I come out against them, I am filled with anger, because because of them I was left without a home and had to move to another city and start a new life there and everything in a new way. Therefore, when I go against them, I am first of all fighting for my country and home, which I no longer have, but it is all in my heart. In the arena, I felt the support of my family, friends and team. It gave me even more motivation to go out and tear up everyone on the carpet.
Maria Efremova
Kadir Caliskan/UWW
– You went through a thorny path at the European Championship – which of the matches was the most emotionally difficult?
– I can’t single out any match, because for me they were all important and difficult, since the opponents were much more experienced than me, but thanks to the fact that I adjusted, I felt good, and I was confident in myself and my abilities.
– The women’s national team is again the leader of the overall standings. What is the secret of this team?
– In the fact that we are united and support each other in any case.
– The world championship is ahead. What are your goals for these competitions? But which of the rivals should be wary of?
– It is difficult to say now, but I know for sure that I will not stop and will continue to work. There is work on errors. I will not single out anyone, because all female athletes are different and each has their own struggle, so I will just enjoy the struggle and enjoy the moment, no matter how difficult it is for me. I have a goal and I’m going for it.
