Jul 12, 2025
Taimane Grove stands atop the podium after winning gold in freestyle wrestling at the USA Western State Championships in Idaho. Courtesy photo
Female wrestler Taimane Mataʻafa Grove and male wrestler Aukai Walsh accentuated their hard work, passion and dedication by recently claiming Triple Crown titles at the USA Western State Championships.
Dominating their ways to gold in all three wrestling styles — Roman Greco, freestyle and folkstyle — with more than 700 wrestlers from all over the West region of the United States, Grove and Walsh were proud to take home the trophy from Idaho to Kahului.
Walsh, a Hawaiian immersion student at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ma Kalama, earned his second triple crown award in one month.
At the same time, Grove, an All-American in girls wrestling, is now a two-time Triple Crown champion at the Western State Championships. Both athletes are progressing in the wrestling world in impressive ways, while representing 4MG Wrestling and I&I MMA Academy year round, along with 808 Wrestling for six weeks in a single season.
Wrestling for Hawai’i’s National Team for six years, Walsh’s appreciation for the sport continues to fuel his motivation. Knowing he’s working toward his goals, Walsh tries to stay focused and puts consistent effort into being his best, both on and off the mat.
“It’s the glory and challenge of not giving up when things get tough,” Walsh said. “We do need to get physically fit and I train two times a day everyday, but it’s preparing mentally and being able to stay mentally strong.”
The referee raises Aukai Walsh’s hand after he won a match by tech fall at the USA Western State Championships in Idaho. Courtesy photo
For Grove, her motivation lies in her humble and proud illustration of the sport, the example and representation of female wrestlers from the islands, as they travel to compete on some of the biggest stages in the country.
“My main source of motivation is the love I have for the sport of wrestling,” she said. “Women’s wrestling is starting to become more recognized, and I’ve been doing it since I was 4 years old. I love that I can represent Hawaii in these national tournaments, and show that we have girls here who can compete and win amongst the best in the nation.”
Following their championship wins, both Aukai and Taimane share a similar goal: to continue growing within the sport.
They said they understand that change is constant and growth never stops, moving forward as wrestling continues to evolve with them. They’re also excited to take part in upcoming tournaments and keep testing their potential.
Winning stirred a mix of emotions for the young athletes, bringing back memories of the anticipation leading up to the event, the grind of tough practices and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are now — while enjoying and being present in the moment.
“It felt great to win the triple crown because I trained hard for this tournament,” Grove said. “Winning it felt really good. It was all my hard work paying off. I felt proud of myself. Even after winning major competitions, I still continue to train and put in the hard work because there’s still other tournaments, different opponents and it only makes me better. I do hope I can eventually continue my education at a university while being able to wrestle, it would be a dream and my goal.”
Both Walsh and Grove draw inspiration from athletes in the sport whose journey paved the way before them. For Grove, it is her aunties who wrestled here in Hawaii growing up, as well as her sister, who is currently competing and won a state championship last year.
“I look up to my Aunty Lia because she was the first Hawaii girls high school state champion at the inaugural girls’ state tournament. She always travels with me and my mom. I also look up to my Aunty Lalelei because she is a four-time state champion. My sister Te’ata was a two-time placer and a state champion last year. I hope to accomplish what they have once I’m in high school next year.”.
For Walsh, his inspiration is Mikah Labuanan, a 2025 Kamehameha School Maui wrestling alumni who won four straight state championships.
“In the wrestling world I look up to Mikah Labuanan,” Walsh said. “I’ve wrestled alongside him every year at Western States, and he’s always been in my corner. Throughout the years he has been inspiring. From watching him smash goals like four-time HS state champ, to practicing with him in his garage, taking me to tournaments, to motivational talks, and finally watching him sign to a D1 college.”
As their wrestling journey continues to evolve, Grove and Walsh are working to stay grounded while looking ahead with purpose. As a part of Hawaii’s next generation of wrestlers, they are confident they’re ready to continue making their mark.
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