Last week, Eldridge, Missouri student Ilyana Martinez represented the United States at the 2025 U17 Beach Wrestling World Championships in Katerini, Greece. The event, held at Aloha Beach Bar, was the largest U17 tournament in the sport’s history and brought together some of the most competitive young athletes from around the world.
The U.S. U17 women’s beach wrestling team had a slow start in the sand on Thursday but rallied to secure a finalist and claim a third-place team trophy. This marks the third consecutive year Team USA has earned a podium finish—third in 2023, first in 2024, and third again in 2025.
p> 
Team standings saw Greece take the championship with 50 points, followed by France with 42, and the United States with 32. As part of the cultural exchange, Greek hosts also gifted participants a symbolic piece of Mt. Olympus.
Ilyana has been beach wrestling for 4 years. She’s a 2x Midwest Beach Wrestling Champion. This is also her 2nd International tournament this year. The first was a trip to Zlatibor Serbia with the U15 Women’s freestyle team in April.
`
Ilyana told Lebanon Now “It was an honor to represent the USA team in an International Competition. What Made this opportunity even more special to me was getting to compete alongside of one of my coaches, Ty Lothen, who was on the men’s senior team as well! It was a fun experience getting to compete with girls from other countries. Even though the competition was challenging, I am confident that it will drive my growth and elevate my performance as a wrestler. None of this would be possible without the incredible support system, my family, coaches, and teammates who continually push me to follow my dreams”
Beach wrestling is a modern sport that welcomes both men and women. Athletes compete barefoot inside a seven-meter circle filled with sand, where quick takedowns and control are key to victory. The discipline was officially recognized by United World Wrestling in 2004 and has since grown in global popularity.
Stay in touch with Lebanon Now:
Facebook
Interactive Facebook Group
Instagram
TikTok
To report a breaking news story, email ryan@lebanonmonow.com or text 417-493-8141.
If your pictures or story are used, I will pay $25. Submissions must be exclusive to Lebanon Now and not posted by you elsewhere.
