Mormon Wrestler Awarded Silver Medal at Pan American Games in Canada

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Thanlia Mallqui (far left) was awarded the silver medal. Image via Pan American Games.

Thalia Mallqui, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was awarded a silver medal for wrestling at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

This year’s Pan American Games, the third largest international multi-sport games, hosts 7,000 athletes from Latin America, South America, the Caribbean and North America.

Representing Peru, Mallqui competed in the 48 kilogram, or 105 pound, weight class. In the last round against gold medalist and Canadian wrestler Genevieve Morrison, Mallqui gave a valiant effort and eventually struggled to pull out a win.

Image via Peru.com.
Image via Peru.com.

Mallqui attributes her healthy lifestyle to her Mormon faith, telling MormonSud,

It’s a sacrifice for some to maintain a special diet: no smoking, no drinking, have a sleep schedule, keep your body in optimum condition. Thanks to the Gospel of Jesus Christ this isn’t a problem for me.

Mallqui continued by saying, “[Luckily] I already know and practice the Word of Wisdom and before training or before a competition I pray…. for support and protection.”

Mallqui, 28-years-old, joined the Church when she was 11-years-old and has been active ever since.

Bridget is a newsroom writer at LDS.net. She graduated in April 2015 from Brigham Young University in communications with an emphasis of public relations. She served a Spanish speaking LDS mission in McAllen, Texas. She is a skilled pianist and an expert baker of chocolate chip cookies.