Team USA Olympic bronze medalist Clarissa Chung will lead the new women’s wrestling program at the University of Iowa, reports Hawk Central.
“I’m at a loss for words, honestly,” Chun said. “Since the announcement (on Thursday), I’ve just been overwhelmed with support and love from the community — the wrestling community and the Iowa community.”
Chun is a 2022 National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, according to The Gazette. She won the Olympic bronze medal in the 105.5 lb category at the 2012 Olympics in London.
“The crown jewel of wrestling is right here. I’m just so excited to get it going,” she said.
Deputy athletics director Barbara Burke pointed out Chun’s desire to be an ambassador for women’s wrestling and her passion and competitiveness as key reasons to hire her.
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“She’s demonstrated this at the highest level of the sport. She clearly knows what it takes to develop champions,” said Burke.
Chun takes over in February after she fulfills some prior commitments. The University of Iowa launched its women’s wrestling program just two months ago.
Her mother, Gail Higashi, is a Japanese American from Kauaʻi and Her father is from the Island of Oahu. Bryan Chun is Chinese American.
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