Rising Grappler: Emanuel Segado Olive’s Path from Taekwondo to Olympic Wrestling

Emanuel Segado Olive, born in Alicante, has emerged as a bright talent in grappling and wrestling, drawing attention from coaches, peers, and fans across Spain and beyond. At only 16 years old, he has managed a demanding training schedule while competing at the highest youth levels, a testament to his focus, discipline, and natural competitiveness. His athletic path began with close-contact sports when he was five, sowing the seeds for a journey that would eventually lead him to taekwondo. In the taekwondo arena, he earned a sequence of podium finishes at the national level, collecting bronze, silver, and gold medals and earning the respect of coaches and rival athletes alike. Yet ambition propelled him toward a broader stage. Within the past year, he redirected his focus toward Olympic wrestling and grappling, embracing the challenge with speed and tenacity that have defined his growth so far. Through rigorous training and steadfast commitment, he earned a place with the Valencian Federation and the Spanish Olympic Wrestling Federation, marking a clear milestone in a trajectory designed to blend athletic excellence with personal development. His development has been supported by Climent Club and Club de Lucha Olímpica El Bufalo, two squads that have helped shape his technique, mindset, and competitive instincts. At the World Cup tournament held in Pontevedra, he achieved third place in the under-17, 50 kg division, a notable result on the international stage. In European competition, he claimed second place in the under-17, 61 kg category, underscoring his ability to perform against strong peers from diverse backgrounds. These performances illustrate a young athlete who merges natural physical gifts with disciplined training, steadily advancing through national systems and international circuits while balancing growth as a competitor with the responsibilities of adolescence. As he continues to navigate the demanding world of youth-level wrestling and grappling, Segado Olive remains driven by a clear vision: to refine technique, expand versatility, and represent his clubs and federation with integrity and ambition. The journey reflects the path of many rising stars in grappling, where early specialization, consistent practice, and exposure to varied competition create opportunities to elevate to senior levels. Fans and mentors alike note his characteristic work ethic, his willingness to learn from every match, and his capacity to stay composed under pressure. Looking ahead, the young athlete is focused on broadening his experience across regional and national events, seeking out additional opportunities to test himself against diverse grapplers and to translate his strengths into sustained, long-term progress. His story resonates with aspiring competitors and sports enthusiasts who understand that talent is often paired with perseverance, careful planning, and the daily practice that compounds over time. In a sport where weight classes, age brackets, and evolving rules continually shape the landscape, Segado Olive stands out as a competitor who embodies resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. The broader message of his journey is one of steady advancement, a reminder that early passion—paired with structured development and supportive communities—can propel a young athlete toward significant achievements and the chance to inspire others along the way.