NEW YORK, Sept 15: Japan’s Kyoko Hamaguchi earned the fifth world championship gold of her wrestling career here Sunday, solidifying her status as a wrestling superstar.

Hamaguchi defeated American Toccara Montgomery 4 1 to take the title in women’s heaviest weight class division, 72kg.

The 25-year-old diva exploded with joy as she shook her head in disbelief while taking a victory lap.

“I always do something to please myself when I win,” Hamaguchi said. “My going fast was just showing my emotions, showing how happy I was.

“I still can’t believe,” she said. “I had been in this position before of course but Toccara was known to be very strong. There was a possibility I could be defeated like everyone else.”

But losing is not a word Hamaguchi is accustomed to. Despite only a bronze medal and a fourth place finish at two previous world championships in 2000 and 2001, the indestructible Japanese has looked strong ever since, steamrolling through every international event she entered in 2002 and 2003.

Her victory on Sunday gave her a fifth world title, adding to those she won in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002.

“I love wrestling,” she said. “I will go as long as I can fight.”

Japanese women all swept the competition on Sunday capturing gold in five of the seven finals.

Chiharu Icho won the 51 kilos division while kid sister Kaori dominated the 63kg weight class. Saori Yoshida captured the 55kg crown and Seiko Yamamoto earned top honors in the 59kg class.

But all eyes were turned on Hamaguchi.

Wrestling has always been a family tradition for her. Her father and coach Heigo “Animal” Hamaguchi was one of the most feared professional wrestlers in the country.

Kyoko, who is an assistant trainer at a sports gym back in Tokyo, said she planned to party all night to celebrate her victory.

“I’m just going to get rid of everything at tonight’s party. It’s going to be long I can assure you,” she said, brushing questions aside about the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens next summer.

“My goal would be to win another gold medal but to be honest, I’d like to forget about wrestling a little bit,” Hamaguchi confessed. “I’m exhausted mentally and physically.”—AFP