Tora, from Sweden, excelled in her 2023-24 academic year experience on the PSE program. While attending high school as a Junior in Torrance, CA, she embraced the wrestling program with vigor.
Back in Sweden, Tora started training in Judo when she was seven years old.
“I had competed in the Swedish championships twice, where I won two bronze medals, and I also traveled to different countries in the northern part of Europe for different camps and competitions on a regular basis. To compete and train on this high level in Judo you must sacrifice a lot of your spare time. Playing sports at this level taught me to be consistent in my work and to continue to push through even when things are tough and difficult,” she shares.
Tora says that it was an easy transition to join the wrestling team at her American high school. “My Judo background helped me tremendously. Honestly, I would not have made it as far if I hadn’t had the prior Judo experience.”
While wrestling in America was a high school team sport, in Sweden, it is more of a club sport. “Here in America, I get to meet more people, make friends, and practice is easier. In Sweden, it is all about the dedication and commitment; if your commitment is less than 100%, you will be kicked out.”
Tora’s level of commitment was fostered in Sweden and continued to grow in America. While on the program, she continued to practice and train every day. “I still work out on Sundays even though we don’t have practice. So, essentially it is the same amount of training as in Sweden.”
Tora’s host parents, Bonnie and Don, are impressed with her unyielding self-discipline and strength as a competitor (both internal and external). Bonnie shares, “Tora is extremely independent and a go-getter. Whatever she sets her mind to, she makes happen. She is very competitive.”
Milly, her Local Coordinator, describes Tora as a smart, independent, confident young lady with a winning smile. She shares, “I knew from the moment I met her, that she would thrive and succeed in her year here. She has proven me right!”
Milly says that Tora exudes passion for everything in her life, especially wrestling. “Wrestling has been all encompassing, and she has shown her passion for the sport by committing to it fully and intensely. Kudos to her for absorbing herself into the school wrestling team and going all out to succeed personally and as part of a team.”
Tora reports that her favorite things about wrestling in America included participating in tournaments, visiting different places, and meeting people whom she would not have otherwise met. “I was really good at it, and I don’t mind receiving the attention!”
Tora enjoyed the wrestling competitions in America and describes her successes while on the team:
“We did better than what people expected of us. I was the only one who was one match away from placing in the State Championship. I was in the Top 12 in California but didn’t make it to the podium (Top 8). I wrestled against one of the more challenging opponents in the Masters tournament. I had lost against her once and won against her once. Winning against her was a huge success!”
When asked if she prefers wresting or Judo, Tora responded, “My style fits better with wrestling as it is more physical. Judo is more technique-based. Wrestling fits my combat style better.”
Bonnie and Don are incredible host parents. Their support for their host daughter’s wrestling schedule and routine exhibited their level of commitment and generosity.
Bonnie shares, “The wrestling matches in a nutshell can be described as a lot of hurrying up and waiting. We would leave the house at 5:00am to check into the school at 5:30am. Then, we would usually have to drive an hour to the match. The matches lasted all day. I remember one match lasted only 15 seconds, but we would have to be there all day. Tora was so good! She would be in the semi-finals or finals, so she had to stay.”
Bonnie and Don also supported Tora’s dietary needs as a vegetarian. “She is total muscles. She is strong! I buy her different kinds of food such as KETO milk (3 gallons a week) and fake meats. She eats a lot throughout the day.”
Tora shares, “I became a vegetarian 5-6 years ago, and my friends thought that it was just a phase. My reasoning is that I love animals, and I don’t feel right eating them. It’s as simple as that! I really am not tempted to eat meat. I follow a low calorie/high protein diet including ice cream, iced coffee, and YogurtLand is my favorite!”
Tora’s gratitude to her host parents runs deep. She says, “I want to thank my host parents, especially Don, my host dad. He always said that I will go far and probably become famous someday. He asked that whenever people interview me to please mention him, so, it begins now! I am so grateful for my host parents. They were and are always so supportive.”
Tora’s insight on life and best advice to offer others:
“Always have an open mind. Life isn’t just how you see it, it comes in different shades!”
Milly closes with this message:
“Tora, the maturity, the attitude, the confidence, the passion for life that you have shown during your exchange year has taken you far, and I am sure these things will carry you well through into the next chapter in your life and beyond. I sincerely wish you every success in all that you pursue in the future. It was wonderful to have been if only a small part of your exchange program journey! ‘Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life.’ Khalil Gibran. With my warmest wishes for happiness always, Milly.”
Written by Flo Webb; Edited by Lauren Lunt