Former Paloma wrestler Turnwall wins international gold medal

Karissa Turnwall poses with her coach at the U23 Pan-American Championships.

Former Paloma Valley High School wrestler Karissa Turnwall added to her reputation last week as the most decorated wrestler in Menifee history.

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Turnwall won a gold medal in the 55 kg weight class at the U23 Pan-American Championships in Lima Peru, helping the USA win the team championship. The national tournament crowns champions from North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Competing in her first international competition, Turnwall defeated Yusmy Juliet Chaparro Urrego of Colombia in the finals. She had wins over wrestlers from Canada, Guatemala, Colombia and Peru in preliminary rounds.

Previously, Turnwall won the U23 USA National Championships. She is the most accomplished wrestler in NCAA competition of any wrestler from Menifee, placing fourth in the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Champions in 2025 while competing for Emmanuel University of Franklin, Springs, Georgia.

At Paloma Valley, Turnwall finished second in the CIF State meet in 2023.