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WEST JORDAN — A Utah woman may have a normal day job, but her success in the little-known sport of medieval combat is where she finds her real passion.

Amy Graham, 48, of West Jordan, is a marketing and events manager at the University of Utah by day. But when introduced to the sport of medieval combat last year, she dove in head first — and has risen all the way to the ranks of world champion.

The sport began in Russia about eight years ago, and originally became known in the United States in 2012. Graham has been participating in combat for the past three years, but wasn't able to compete due to rules prohibiting women from doing so. But on May 31, 2014, it was announced that women could compete for the first time, and Graham got straight to work.

“June 1st, I started training, and I didn’t stop,” Graham said.

Since then, Graham has traveled around the world, representing Team USA as one of the first women to ever take part in full metal, full-force combat. She fights for the USA Knights. Last year in Spain, at the IMCF (International Medieval Combat Federation) world championship, she was crowned world champion. Graham also won the championship medal for the USA Valkyrie Melee Team in 2014.

“When I walked off that field in Spain, I was walking on air,” Graham said.

When I walked off that field in Spain, I was walking on air. –Amy Graham

The sport is fierce and violent, and certainly not for the faint of heart.

“I’ve had my shoulder dislocated,” Graham said. “Just from getting punched with a shield.”

Graham, who had bariatric surgery eight years ago and used to weigh nearly 400 pounds, counts her time training and competing as the reason why she’s now so healthy.

Graham continues her quest for glory despite her past successes, traveling to Poland to compete in just over two weeks time. She will be the only woman representing the US at the tournament.

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