Stephanie Murata is one of the true veterans of U.S. women's wrestling. In April, she won her seventh straight U.S. Nationals gold medal, one of the most impressive streaks in history. Last year, Murata claimed a silver medal at the Women's World Championships, her first World medal after a number of near misses in the past.

Murata has moved up in weight class to 121 pounds, after competing well at 112 pounds for the last few years. Although she already has many impressive achievements, Murata still has some high goals for her wrestling career.

TheMat.com caught up with Murata after a workout at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in preparation for the World Team Trials in Saint Paul.

TheMat.com: After many years and some close calls, you won your first World medal in 2001. What did this mean to you, and what was different about last year than the other years?

Murata: Alot of it had to do with just being prepared for the World Championships. I started my career later than many of the other girls, and I didn't have those years of high school experience. I almost needed to play catchup and get all of those match under my belt. I found a weight class that I was comfortable at, and felt very comfortable at the World Championships. It all fell together at the right time and place for me, although I can't say why it didn't happen before that.

TheMat.com: So, how did winning the medal feel to you?

Murata: It was very satisfying, although I wanted to win the gold medal. I had been there so many times and had been so close before. I knew that I deserved it. It shows everybody else that it was not unfounded, it was something that I could work towards and could achieve.

TheMat.com: This year, you moved up from 112 pounds to 121 pounds, which will be one of the Olympic weight classes. Was it difficult wrestling the heavier athletes and how do you feel you have performed there?

Murata: I like it. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I was at this weight class competing in Venezuela. I feel stronger and just as fast. The difference for me was that I was comfortable at that weight class, so this was a change. I'm thinking now that I should have stayed at 56 kg all all the time, and may have performed even better there.

TheMat.com: Evaluate your performance at the U.S. Nationals this year.

Murata: I was a little disappointed in my performance. I felt I was capable of wrestling better than I did. Yes, I won and got the job done. What I am capable of doing and what I did just did not match up.

TheMat.com: One of your World Team teammates, Tina George, is now in your weight class. She missed her match in Las Vegas and did not complete the tournament. Do you feel you might face her in Saint Paul and what are your thoughts about wrestling her?

Murata:The more tough competition we have here in the United States, the better it prepares you to face the world. You are a much better wrestler once you make the USA team. For the men, that has been the case. Sometimes, it is more difficult just to get out of the nation. I'm excited about wrestling Tina. Anytime anyone can challenge you and push you have to achieve your goals, it's very good.

TheMat.com: What has the support from the Sunkist Kids club meant to you?

Murata: It has been very helpful. (Art Martori's) belief in my ability before anyone else knew my name or who I am, it was very important to me. He is a leader, a great person who supports wrestling and individuals. He makes a difference in the lives of those people he believes in.

TheMat.com: As a veteran, the opportunity to compete in the Olympics must be very exciting. What are your thoughts about women's wrestling in the Olympics?

Murata:I'd like to go. And if I am going, I'd like to win. The importance of being in the Olympics is the impact it has on other girls coming up. It gives them a goal. If you are going to have dreams or goals, you can't shoot small. You have to dream big. The Olympics is the best of the best. It is a phenominal thing to be involved in and to have as a goal. I hope to be part of that first group.

TheMat.com: What do you feel that you need to improve on as a wrestler?

Murata:Everybody has different areas to work on. It's not moves, it is skills. Whatever it is, you have to work on it every day. It never stays the same. You need to continue to improve on whatever you do. If you stop working on an area, that is where you will have difficulty.

TheMat.com: Have you considered your future after 2004?

Murata: I have made the commitment for 2004 and the Olympic Games. After that, you have to evaluate where you are with your life. It is a big sacrifice and commitment involved to compete at this level. I'm not sure what the future holds for me after that, but I am definately committed through the Olympics.