Teresa MAYO (ESP), former wrestler and current grassroots activist for the sport of wrestling in Spain, has been named the United World Wrestling “Women and Sport Award” winner for 2020.
Mayo wrestled internationally from 2001 to 2013 and currently works in the development department for the Spanish Wrestling Federation with an aim to develop scholastic programs and create a system where athletes graduate from grassroots competitions to elite international events.
She is also improving gender equality at the local level through the promotion of women’s wrestling within the federation and with partners.
“I am really thankful to the wrestling family for this award,” said Mayo. “I assure you that it will highly contribute to the work we have started here in Spain to empower and improve women’s wrestling.”
Mayo has even won support from the Spanish government. She was recently awarded her home nation’s “Women and Sport” recognition and financial contribution, which will be directed towards supporting more female national coaches.
Mayo also attended the recent edition of the Women in Wrestling Global Forum hosted by United World Wrestling in Istanbul.