Xiluozhuoma[Left] and her coach walking on the red carpet of the awarding ceremony of "Best Athletes of the Year 2011".[Photo/Sports.sohu]

Xiluozhuoma, a post-80s country girl crowned the first Tibetan world champion, was nominated of the award of "Best Athletes of the Year 2011" held by the national sport channel (CCTV 5) at the National Stadium on January 15.

The young Tibetan girl has made history. She's from Nyingchi county in southern Tibet, and she won gold at the Wrestling World Championships in Turkey, becoming the first Tibetan to claim a world title in a competitive sport.

In the process she became the first Tibetan to be crowned World Champion in an athletic sport. The 24-year-old now is confident she can make it to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Xiluozhuom winning the gold medal at the Wrestling World Championships in Turkey on September 16, 2011.[Photo/Xinhua]

Born in 1987, Xiluozhuoma began her wrestling career at the age of 15. And the decision to go into wrestling was well thought out.

Xiluozhuoma said, "When I was young, to join a sports school meant you got a job. So I worked my way to sports school."

In 2005, Xiluozhuoma was admitted to Beijing Sports University, China's leading sports institute where she improved her skills dramatically.

Zhang Haojie, head coach of China Women's Wrestling Team, said, "She is quite competitive in many aspects, especially her defence and counter attack tactics."

The young athlete was faced with fierce competition in trying to get to the World Championships in Turkey.

She was chosen by the Chinese squad at the last minute, so it was quite a surprise to see her win gold for China. It was also the only title for China at the world championships.

Xiluozhuoma said, "I will stick to my training regiment and improve everyday. My coach says hard works will finally pay off. I believe in that."

According to Olympic regulations, the top five athletes in each of the four Olympic events at the Wrestling World Championships qualify for the London Games.

Xilouzhuoma was one of two members of the Chinese team that qualified for London. The wrestlers that didn't will have to earn enough points through various wrestling meets to qualify.