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Mariya Stadnyk throws her quarterfinal opponent Nina Matkowski of Poland during her winning quarterfinal bout at the 2012 London Olympics. Khaled Desouk/AFP/Getty
Azerbaijan is banking on its junior women's wrestling program to produce gold medalists in the future. CNN
Stadnyk is passing on her experience and skills to the next breed of young woman wrestlers in Azerbaijan. CNN
Proud Azeri. Stadnyk celebrates her gold medal winning performance in the 2014 European championships. Timo Jaakonaho/AFP/Getty Images
In a traditionally conservative country the growth of young women competitors in a formerly male-dominated sport such as wrestling is considered groundbreaking. CNN
Taste of success: Toghrul Asgarov claimed gold for Azerbaijan in the men's 60kg freestyle event at the 2012 London Olympics. Marwaan Naamani/AFP/Getty
Young male wrestlers hope to follow in the footsteps of Toghrul Asgarov and Sharif Sharifov in winning gold medals at Olympic and world championship level. CNN
Stadnyk grapples with eventual gold medal winner Hitomi Obara in the final of the 48kg freestyle class in London. Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty
The Azerbaijan women's wrestling team, which will be led by standard bearer Stadnyk, is busy preparing for the upcoming European Games. CNN
The honor of representing Azerbaijan in the inaugural European Games is proving a major incentive to its athletes. CNN
Azerbaijan's Sharif Sharifov (right) gets to grips with Puerto Rico's Jaime Yusept Espinal in the final of the men's 84kg freestyle competition at the London Olympics. Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty
