Sarah Hildebrandt is just one step away from lifting a massive bagload of cash. The 30-year-old wrestler just defeated her Mongolian opponent (5-0) to secure a spot in the women’s 50kg weight class finals at the Paris Olympics. Now, as the seven-time Pan American Championships gold medalist waits to lock horns with India’s Vinesh Phogat for her maiden gold medal on the grand stage, here’s how Hildebrandt is also eyeing a significant boost to her financial situation.

Sarah is set to receive at least $50k from the Living the Dream Medal Fund by reaching the finals. According to an article by The Mat from last year, the LTDMF has given more than $5 million to wrestlers since beginning in 2009, and Sarah is most likely to be the latest addition to its long list of prize recipients. However, if she can manage to win gold, the New York Athletic Club member will be given an additional $200,000. However, things don’t end just there, as Sarah has the opportunity to make some more money in the French capital.

A group of individual donors, called Stewards, contribute to the Fund and are supported by the country’s apex wrestling body as well as the US Olympic & Paralympic committee. The LTDMF gives prize money to wrestlers who win medals in both the Olympics and the World Championships.

Ahead of the Olympics, the USA announced a $37,500 prize money for all gold winners in Paris. Everything combined, the total cash prize of almost $300,000 could act as the motivator that Hildebrandt needs for one final push tomorrow. However, for now, Sarah is set to receive at least $50,000 by winning at least silver on the grandest stage.

With that, Hildebrandt will join a group of elite wrestlers including Jordan Burroughs, Helen Maroulis, and David Taylor as a recipient of the Living the Dream Medal Fund bonus. However, before she can enjoy her haul, the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist will have to clear one last hurdle on her way to the top of the podium.

The final test for Sarah Hildebrandt on the grand stage

Hildebrandt is set to clash against Vinesh Phogat in the women’s 50kg bracket. Phogat has overcome massive challenges herself to reach the finals and won’t be ready to cede ground without fighting tooth and nail for it. The 29-year-old is a two-time World Championships medalist and secured her biggest career win to date by defeating the defending Olympic gold medalist, Yui Susaki of Japan, in the Round of 16. She continued her strong performance by trouncing Ukrainian Oksana Livach 7-5 in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals.

The Indian wrestler secured another commanding 5-0 victory against Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman, earning her spot in the finals of her weight class. Given the momentum she has built throughout the tournament, Phogat is expected to bring her best against her American opponent. The potential rewards awaiting Sarah, if she prevails over Phogat, could become the decisive factor in tomorrow’s match.

Who do you think will have the last laugh in the final match tomorrow? Drop by with your prediction in the comment section!