Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Gator WC) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week for October 26-November 1.

Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level.

Bernard won a gold medal at 72 kg/158.5 lbs at the University World Championships on Oct. 28 in Torino, Italy.

Bernard pinned 2006 Asian Junior champion Hiroe Suzuki of Japan in the women’s freestyle finals. After dropping the first period 1-0, Bernard scored a fall in the second period.

Bernard won four bouts on the way to the gold. She opened with a victory over 2007 Junior World bronze medalist Oksana Vasinchuk of Ukraine, 1-2, 4-2, 4-0, then stopped 2008 European silver medalist Natalia Kuksina of Russia, 1-0, 1-0 in the quarterfinals. She earned a second-period win over Kitti Godo of Hungary in the semifinals.

Bernard, who placed fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games, has won two Junior World gold medals during her career. This is her first appearance at the University World Championships, and gives her three career age-group World titles. Bernard also made the 2009 U.S. World Team.

Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete's name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to Craig Sesker at csesker@usawrestling.org