Tina George has captured the silver medal at the last two World Championships. This year, she is looking to become a member of the first-ever women's Olympic wrestling team.

Thus, her goals have been set higher for this year.

TheMat.com spoke with George about her training over the past year, and what has put her over the top.

TheMat.com: Before this year, you had not won the U.S. Nationals since 2001. What has changed in women's wrestling since that time?

George: I don't think that winning nationals has much to do with a change in women's wrestling so much as a change in my wrestling.

TheMat.com: You have won the last two World silver medals. What have you done to get over the top since last year's World Championships?

George: I have made my health my top priority followed very closely with a commitment to learn my personal wrestling style.

TheMat.com: Do you feel as though you are better than you were at this time last year?

George: Absolutely. With my health problems out of the way I can focus on wrestling hard and enjoying the sport instead of the pain that I associated with wrestling for the last two years.

TheMat.com: With there only being four women's Olympic weight classes, how much more difficult has your weight class become in the past year?

George: I would say the talent pool at 55 kilograms was pretty deep in the beginning. Now I can easily say that the talent has tripled. The good thing is that I will only have to wrestle one of them.

TheMat.com: If you do make the Olympic team, do you expect to see some of the top women from 112 or 130 in your weight class?

George: I think that anyone who seriously thinks they can make the team has already dropped to 55 kilograms. Anyone else coming down or up at this point will have a hard time getting through the talent from nationals.

TheMat.com: The last two years, you have had to go through the Challenge Tournament at the Trials before earning your World Team spot. How much different will it be to sit out those first two days this year?

George: I usually like to do things the hard way. So I can't really say how I will feel because it hasn't happened in so long. I usually like going through the tournament because it gives me a chance to get my body in order after cutting weight. This year I am very happy that I don't have to go through it because it will be a dogfight.

TheMat.com: Do you feel any more pressure going into the Olympic Trials than you would for a World Team Trials?

George: I don't feel any more pressure. I expect to win even though the weight class is deep. We have always had the highest talent level. I am not putting any more pressure on myself than normal because all that I can control is the way I wrestle. I may not get some calls that I need but I can wrestle to the best of my ability.

TheMat.com: Your uncle is Billy Blanks, of Tae Bo fame. Has he given you any advice as you prepare for the final Olympic Team Trials?

George: He has given me a lot of support and encouragement as well as training advice and weight management tips. He will play a bigger role going into the Olympics where I will face Japan.

TheMat.com: How will you prepare for the Trials? Have you taken advice from other wrestlers who have been in your position before?

George: I am preparing for Trials like I do every other year. I have received some advice but everyone is so different that I just stick to what I know. I do have someone that works with me to make sure that I don't get stressed out but that is about it.

TheMat.com: At what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to be a wrestler and why?

George: I decided I wanted to be a wrestler as a junior in high school because someone said that it was the hardest sport in the school. I could not believe that anything was harder than cross-country but it was. Once I joined, I enjoyed testing my body and mind and being a part of a team of guys that I will never ever forget. They enhanced my love of wrestling and being part of such an awesome team is something that I will always cherish. Thank you Cleveland Heights wrestling!