Q&A with Kristie Marano - 2000 World Champion

1) Did you take any time off after you won the World Championships?

"No I didn't get the chance to take any time off. I had the special wrestle-off with Sandra [Bacher] in November for the No. 1 spot, so I had to get ready for that immediately."

2) You have won a World silver medal four times. You finally have the gold - is that a feeling of relief?

"Winning the championship definitely feels a lot different, a lot better. I finally won it. I felt a lot more comfortable at the lower weight class (68 kg/149.75 pounds). I felt a lot better about winning this one, a lot better. It still takes time to process and let sink in. It's a great feeling."

3) Why did you wait to drop to the lower weight?

"I never really had the opportunity to drop down before.  With Sandra going to the Olympics for Judo last fall, it seemed like the perfect time for me to go down. And then I won the wrestle-off in November for the No. 1 position at that weight class over Sandra."

4) Do you want to try and stay down at 149.75 pounds?

"Yes. It is definitely more my true weight. I could tell how much more comfortable I felt wrestling at the World Championships, I want to keep that feeling."

5) What did your daily routine consist of when you got back?

"Well, I went right back to New York and started my usual training schedule. I waitress during the day, train at the gym after that, then practice every night. After that is when I have my personal time. My daughter Kayla will be three years old in April, so I'm busy with her as well."

6) Describe your weekly training schedule.

"I wrestle five nights a week from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and take the weekends off from being on the mat. I cross train on the weekends, and lift weights two to three times a week."

7) Did you change your training at all this past year?

"I've done a lot more wrestling this past year, I would usually take some time off.  I didn't this year and not taking time off helped me in the wrestle-off in November. It made me a better wrestler."

8) What are your short-term goals this year?

"My goals right now are to just continue where I am right now in how I'm wrestling. I have to keep myself motivated and concentrate on staying at the lower weight."

9) When will your first competition be?

"The U.S. Nationals is going to be my first competition in April. I'm very anxious to get back on the mat in that competition setting. I had no off-season, so I'm ready."