From the mat to Mount Elbert, Summit County’s female athletes find success in male-dominated sports

June 13, 2026 - 20:34

Jess Gresho's nails are usually painted pink. She often has glitter on her face, and her athletic gear - from her ski pants to her running shoes - boasts bright colors and funky patterns. But that flashy style belies a fierce competitive streak that has taken her from the wrestling mat to the summit of Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak.

Gresho is part of a growing wave of female athletes in Summit County who are carving out space in sports traditionally dominated by men. Whether it is grappling in a high school wrestling tournament, hauling a heavy pack up a 14,000-foot mountain, or competing in backcountry ski races, these women are redefining what strength looks like.

For Gresho, the transition from wrestling to mountaineering felt natural. Both require mental grit and physical endurance. She says the confidence she built on the mat helped her push through the pain of altitude and exhaustion on the trail. She now trains with a group of women who share her passion for pushing limits, often tackling technical terrain that demands both skill and nerve.

Local coaches and mentors note that the shift is not just about individual achievement. It is about visibility. When young girls see women competing in these spaces, they realize the barriers are mostly mental. The message is simple: the mat, the mountain, and the finish line belong to anyone willing to work for them.