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September 3, 2003
Istanbul, Turkey - Liz Short of the University of Minnesota-Morris placed 5th in the FILA-Junior Women's World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul, August 25th.
Short a junior, placed in her second consecutive world championship. Last year Short placed 8th in the World University Games in Edmonton, Canada.
Short opened up the tournament with a 12-2 technical fall over Heather Ball of Canada. In her next match Short won by fall in 3:38 versus Natasha Vasileva of Russia. Short won her pool and advanced to the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals Short lost by fall to the eventual world champion, Lyudmila Baluhka of the Ukraine. Based on technical points scored, Short was awarded a fifth place finish at 44 kilos/96.8 pounds.
The United States team placed 3rd in the world championships behind China and Russia. Minnesota native Ali Bernard of New Ulm won the world championship title at 67 kilos/147 pounds.
Short told of her interesting international experience, "After training for two weeks at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, we were caught in the blackout at the Detroit Metro Airport. After being stuck for a couple of days we were able to catch a flight to Germany. From Germany we took a 12 hour bus ride to Bulgaria where we trained for almost a week," said Short.
"None of our luggage made it to Germany. We had to go about four days with out any of our clothes. We had to borrow clothes from the boys (Men's Junior World Team), noted Short.
"When we were in Istanbul there were threats of attacks against us as we represented the United States. We were under police guard at all times. They even moved us from our hotel to stay in another place with the team from Turkey," said Short.
"It was an exciting event. Lots of countries. The opening ceremonies, the grand march were awesome," commented Short.
A total of 33 countries participated in the Junior World Championships that are held every two years. With her finish, Short becomes the eleventh University of Minnesota-Morris female wrestler to place in a world championship.
"I am real proud of Liz," said UMM coach Doug Reese. "She really came on technically and mentally since January. She is capable of being one of the best in the world year in and year out - in fact she already is. She represented our country and our university very well. We all should be proud of her tremendous efforts."