Ann Arbor Student Wins WorldSkills Welding Bronze
Mikala Sposito becomes the first woman to earn a welding medal at the international WorldSkills competition.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Track & Field
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In September 2026, Washtenaw Community College student Mikala Sposito secured a bronze medal in welding at the WorldSkills competition held in Shanghai, China. The 21-year-old athlete and student is the first woman to reach the podium in the event's welding category.
Why it matters
Sposito success highlights the technical training excellence at Washtenaw Community College, marking her as the sixth student from the institution to qualify for the global event. Her achievement follows a history of success for the school, which saw student Alex Paszkowski earn a silver medal in 2013.
Sposito is the 6th student from Washtenaw Community College to qualify for the global event, joining a legacy that includes the 2013 silver medal won by Alex Paszkowski. To prepare, she trained in welding booths overnight and attended lab classes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. after daily track practice.
The players
Mikala Sposito
She is a 21-year-old student at Washtenaw Community College who achieved international recognition for her welding skills.
Washtenaw Community College
This educational institution located in Ann Arbor provides vocational and technical training to local students.
Alex Paszkowski
He is a former student of Washtenaw Community College who established a historical precedent for the school by winning a silver medal in 2013.
The details
To balance her academic and athletic commitments, Sposito began her days at 7 a.m. before attending track practice and evening welding classes. She developed her interest in the trade after visiting the Henry Ford Museum and plans to further her education with a bachelor's degree at Wayne State University.
Timeline
Alex Paszkowski won a silver medal at the 2013 WorldSkills competition.
Mikala Sposito competed in the WorldSkills competition in September 2026.
Washtenaw Community College held a celebration for Sposito on October 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Sposito's performance at the 2026 WorldSkills competition serves as a significant milestone for Washtenaw Community College, building upon the institution's long-standing competitive history. This victory elevates the school's standing in the international vocational training landscape.
Sposito's success demonstrates the high level of technical competency achieved by students balancing multiple disciplines like athletics and trades. Her trajectory confirms that participants in programs at Washtenaw Community College can compete at the highest global levels.
The takeaway
Dedicated training schedules like the ones maintained by Sposito show how intensive preparation can bridge the gap between classroom learning and international success. Students can draw inspiration from her ability to manage dual commitments in academics and specialized technical skills.
Further reading
Learn more about local talent in the Track & Field section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDIV.
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