Gray's journey into wrestling started with her brothers, who were all part of the team. She found wrestling to be a fun and fast-paced sport that required skill, strength, and speed. "Wrestling is a fun and fast-paced game that allows you to use skill, strength, and speed. Anyone looking for a challenge should try it out. I fell in love with it," she said.

Career Highlights

Gray has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career. She is the first freestyle wrestler from the United States to win five gold medals at the World Championships. Her victories came in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. These achievements have cemented her status as one of the top wrestlers in the sport.

Challenges and Injuries

Despite her successes, Gray has faced several injuries. She sustained fractured ribs at the 2020 Pan American Championships in Ottawa. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, she suffered injuries to her right shoulder and knee, requiring surgery and an 11-month recovery period. In 2010, she dislocated her knee cap, which led to a year-long hiatus from training.

Awards and Recognition

Gray's talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was named Athlete of the Year by New York Athletic Club. She also received the title of Female Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling in both 2014 and 2015. Additionally, she was honoured as the ASICS High School Wrestler of the Year in 2009.

Personal Life and Education

Gray resides in Littleton, Colorado with her husband Damaris Sanders. She has pursued higher education in Business at DeVry University in Colorado Springs. She is also studying for a master's degree in project management at DeVry University.

Coaching Career

In addition to her wrestling career, Gray works as an assistant women's wrestling coach at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Her role allows her to share her expertise and passion for wrestling with young athletes.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Gray aims to continue contributing to the sport she loves. Her dedication to wrestling remains strong as she balances her roles as an athlete, coach, and student.

Gray's story is one of resilience and determination. From overcoming injuries to achieving historic milestones, she continues to inspire many within the wrestling community.