Maider Unda

Maider Unda Gonzalez de Audikana, born on July 2, 1977, in Vitoria, Spain, is a distinguished retired female freestyle wrestler and a dedicated shepherd. Her journey in the world of wrestling is marked by remarkable achievements, including her participation in the women's freestyle wrestling 72 kg category at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

During the 2008 Olympics, Unda showcased her skills by defeating Oksana Vashchuk from Ukraine in the 1/8 final. However, her quest for a medal was halted in the quarter-finals by Stanka Zlateva of Bulgaria. In the repechage round, she managed to overcome Canadian wrestler Ohenewa Akuffo but ultimately fell short against Agnieszka Wieszczek in the bronze medal match.

Unda's perseverance paid off at the 2012 Summer Olympics, where she clinched the bronze medal in the same weight category. She triumphed over Ana Betancur from Colombia and Ochirbatyn Burmaa from Mongolia in the earlier rounds. Although she faced defeat against Zlateva in the semi-finals, Unda secured her place on the podium by defeating Vasilisa Marzaliuk from Belarus.

After a commendable career, Maider Unda announced her retirement from wrestling on November 9, 2016, following her unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Beyond the wrestling mat, she has embraced a new chapter in her life as a shepherd, running a sheep farm in the village of Olaeta in Aramaio, where she produces the renowned Idiazabal cheese, blending her passion for agriculture with her athletic legacy.