Chandni Banks walked onto the mat at the Missouri state tournament last season as a finalist. A few months later she was competing in Romania for Great Britain. For a wrestler who only started a few years ago, that trajectory is remarkable — and according to the people closest to her, it is just the beginning.
Banks recently earned a bronze medal at the Dumitru Pirvulesci and Vasile Iorga tournament in Romania while representing the British national team under coach Cornell Robinson, one of the most respected international wrestling coaches in the country. We sat down with both Banks and Robinson to talk about the Romania experience, what it means for her future, and what it says about the direction of Missouri girls wrestling.
Chandni Banks
You represented Great Britain at an international tournament in Romania. How did that opportunity come about and what was the experience like competing on that stage?
Since I started wrestling a few years ago, I’ve had the chance to learn both folkstyle and freestyle, and I really fell in love with freestyle. I’ve always wanted to do more of it, so getting the opportunity to represent Great Britain in Romania was really special. It was amazing to travel to a country I probably never would have visited otherwise and to do it because of wrestling. My first time competing internationally was a huge moment for me and something I’ll always remember.
You finished second at the Missouri state tournament last season. How has your wrestling journey taken you from competing in Missouri high schools to representing a national team internationally?
I’m really grateful for the opportunity I had to wrestle for Timberland and represent my school at the Missouri state tournament. Even though I fell short of my ultimate goal, making the finals was such a special experience. I still remember walking out for that championship match with the lights, the music, and all the pressure that comes with that moment. Wrestling in Missouri has given me so many opportunities, and it’s pretty amazing to think that a journey that started in high school has already taken me to representing Great Britain internationally.
What was the level of competition like in Romania compared to what you face in the US, and what did you learn about your own wrestling from that experience?
The competition in Romania was really tough, but honestly the biggest difference was the environment. You’re surrounded by athletes from all these different countries speaking different languages, it’s hot, there’s not a lot of room to warm up, and there’s a different kind of pressure because you’ve traveled so far just to be there. It was really cool to realize that this sport for girls and women is international, and it was amazing to have the opportunity to meet women like me from all over the world who love this sport.
Coach Cornell Robinson was in your corner in Romania. What has his influence meant to your development as a wrestler and how did having a familiar face help in an unfamiliar setting?
Having Coach Rob in my corner meant a lot. I honestly don’t know how I would’ve navigated my first international tournament without him. He has so much experience in freestyle and on the international level, and having someone I trust there made everything feel a lot less intimidating. Since I started training with Coach Rob, I’ve learned so much technically that’s really important at that level. I’m just really thankful to have been able to do it with one of the best coaches in the country.
What are your goals heading into next season and beyond? Are you pursuing more international competition with Great Britain while also competing in Missouri?
I’ll be going to college in New York next year, and even though I won’t be wrestling collegiately, I definitely plan on continuing to compete internationally for Great Britain. Wrestling has become such a big part of my life that I can’t really imagine not doing it. Obviously my goals are big. I want to be a world champion and compete at the 2028 Olympics, and I’m excited to keep chasing those dreams and see where the sport takes me.
Cornell Robinson — Great Britain National Team Coach
You coached Chandni Banks at the Dumitru Pirvulesci and Vasile Iorga tournament in Romania as part of your role with the Great Britain national team. What stood out about her performance and her ability to compete at that level?
What stood out was her ability to adapt to the environment and situations we were in. It was hot in the arena and a hostile environment, but a place that loves wrestling. She had to be focused and confident, and she was.
You have deep roots in Missouri, national, and international wrestling. How did Chandni come to be on your radar and what did you see in her that made her a fit for international competition?
Chandni was already on the track of traveling internationally and wanted to compete on the international stage, and somehow we came across paths. That’s usually how it works. The wrestlers who are searching for the highest level of competition usually find me somehow.
What is the level of competition like at international tournaments in Romania compared to what wrestlers face in the US high school and club circuit?
The Romania tournament was the last event before the U20 European Championship, so it was a good example of what to expect at that level. There was a solid base of good competition. The American girls high school division is definitely one of the best in the world. America is in a good spot.
Chandni finished second at the Missouri state tournament last season. How has her development progressed since then and what areas of her game have grown the most?
Finishing second was a good learning lesson. It’s just good to feel that pressure of being in the finals of a big tournament with a real good opponent. One of the lessons learned from that match was definitely used throughout the Romania tournament. Missouri girls wrestling is definitely on the right track.
What does the future look like for Chandni on the international stage and what would it mean for Missouri girls wrestling if more athletes pursued opportunities like this?
The future for Chandni is to compete in as many international tournaments as she can and keep getting a feel for wrestling on the big stage so she can become the best version of herself. It just shows that the competition in girls wrestling can definitely get you prepared to wrestle in some of the top competitions around the world.
