BY TIM FOLEY, UWW | JAN. 01, 2019, 12:50 P.M. (ET)

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 1) - With the 2018 wrestling season officially at a close, United World Wrestling has awarded "Best Wrestler of the Year" honors to David TAYLOR (USA) for freestyle, Petra OLLI (FIN) for women's wrestling, and Peter BACSI (HUN) for Greco-Roman.

The award was based on the number of ranking points each of the wrestlers attained over the course of the 2018 season. A majority of points were earned at the world and continental championships, with additional points earned at a number of style-specific Ranking Series tournaments around the world.

For their efforts, Taylor, Olli and Bacsi each received a 10,000 CHF prize from United World Wrestling.

Taylor, the 86kg world champion in freestyle finished the season with 112 total ranking points. In addition to his world title Taylor took gold at 2018 Senior Pan-American championships, the Ivan Yariguin (Ranking Event), and the Yasar Dogu (Ranking Event). Taylor didn't lose a match all season.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to compete for the USA and represent the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club," said Taylor. "I wouldn't have been able to reach this point without my coaches, training partners, and the treigning lab. I'm honored to be the wrestler of the year and look forward to 2019!"