When SBHS student Illia Kyryianenko, 14, came to the U.S. from Ukraine last year, he was already a champion – two times over. In 2024, he placed first twice in the European National Tournament, once in the 13 and under age group and then again in the 15 and under. Now, the freshman has another title to put under his belt – Florida State Champion.
Kyryianenko made South Broward High School wrestling history on March 7th, when he beat his opponent in the 132lb class to secure the school’s first individual FHSAA Wrestling Tournament State Championship in more than 15 years.
At first, for the newly crowned king, it wasn’t a big deal. But after some time, the reality of the accomplishment began to sink in.
‘“After my last final match, I just came up to my friends and everyone was saying ‘Good job!’ and all,” said Kyryianeko
The title win wasn’t entirely unexpected. Kyryianenko headed to states after an undefeated season with 41 wins and 0 losses. At the state tournament, he opened with two decision victories, which contributed to his perfect record. In the semifinals, he won with a 9-7 decision.
Then came the final championship match. With his teammates, coaches, and family cheering him on, Kyryianenko secured the title with a 10–7 decision.
“I was the loudest person in the room, I was screaming, ‘Let’s go, Illia!’” said SBHS junior and fellow teammate Sage Suarez. “I was so ecstatic.”
But his win didn’t come out of nowhere. Kyryianenko’s journey began nearly a decade ago in Ukraine, where he first stepped onto the mat at the age of four. Coached by his father, who had been a wrestler before he was injured, he learned folkstyle and freestyle wrestling long before most American students ever strap on their headgear.
He credits much of his success to the relentless support of his family. Back in Ukraine, his dad was by his side every step of the way.
“My dad stayed with me at every practice,” Kyryianenko said. “He helped me with my classes. Then after, when [the] war started, he helped even more.”
Because wrestling in Ukraine was only offered through clubs, Kyryianenko’s father covered the costs on top of providing daily rides and waking him up for pre-dawn runs, all to ensure his son could have every training opportunity.
SBHS Wrestling Coach Threlkeld Major was fundamental in Kyryianenko’s transition to the US wrestling scene. The Ukrainian kid caught his eye at the team’s first practice. With eight years of wrestling coaching experience, five as head coach at SBHS and three as assistant coach at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, he has seen and coached a lot of wrestlers. He recognized the freshman’s potential immediately.
“He could be a four-time state champ and wrestle Division 1 in college,” said Major. “If he keeps grinding and learning, he’ll excel at the elite level.’’
After the war broke out, Kyryianenko relocated to Europe from his hometown of Kharkiv, very near the border with Russia, along with his mother and older brother, who also wrestles. His dad, however, stayed behind. He is able to track his son’s wrestling career by watching videos of his matches that Kyryianenko’s mother records. He was able to see his son’s state championship match live-streamed. His dad’s reaction?
“He was very happy,” said Kyryianenko. “He told me I should take a break, like rest and then continue to practice more and not stop’.”
And he doesn’t plan to. Kyryianenko would like to pursue college wrestling and eventually join a national team.
“It’s a sport I will do all my life.” he said. “My goal is to make the U.S. wrestling team and compete in world wrestling competitions and in the Olympics in 2032.”
