Developing a sport is hard…especially when the sport is one of the oldest ones in the history of humanity. Perhaps it is a battle to challenge old notions and symbolisms. But, if you have the right love for the sport, you know you will save it. This very spirit is embodied by the American wrestler Kyle Dake, who has been very excited about bringing Greco wrestling to the forefront. The Two-time Olympic Bronze medalist has shared his opinions on the matter. So, what did he say?

America should be thankful to Kyle’s parents, for if they hadn’t sent their child to the coaches who emphasized Greco, who knows, maybe there wouldn’t be any bronze in 2020 and 2024. Kyle said in a YouTube video on USA Wrestling, “I had a great foundation with my parents taking me to wrestling practice and tournaments, and also having great coaches that emphasize Greco as a part of our curriculum.”

Thanks to Greco, the 2022 Senior World Championship’s gold medalist stands where he is today, he further added, “I can honestly say it made a huge impact on my folkstyle career and an even bigger impact on my freestyle career.” Kyle also has a history with Greco because he was a part of the 2008 Junior World Team.

The 33-year-old has also put his faith in the youth talent of the country, he said, “The Greco guys that we have are excellent athletes and just showcasing their skills, um I think there’s there’s a lot of um a lot of great people in the sport.” Kyle also wants the youth and high school-level coaches to hone the skills of their athletes because Greco is not only going to bring in more skills but more matches for the budding wrestlers, he continued “I think that there’s uh a big need for coaches at the Youth Level and coaches at uh High School level to continue to implement that skill because one you’re going to get better at skills but two you’ll get twice as many matches.” 

Kyle is not wrong to believe in the Greco talent America possesses, after all; four American wrestlers had to chance to wrestle to show off their Greco skills at the 2024 Olympic Games. What makes it more special is the fact that only nine countries have made it to the front.

USA Wrestling starts a fundraiser to develop Greco-Roman

In December, the USA wrestling organization decided that it was time to wrestle the hurdle of Greco-Roman style. It kick-started a year-long fundraising campaign, i.e. Grow Greco, to help the growth and development of Greco-Roman wrestling in the country.

The Fundraiser, started by the U.S. Greco-Roman coaching staff, looks to raise a total amount of $250,000. The money is meant for all the national and international training and competition opportunities, developmental camps across the U.S., and to help youth athletes pursue a career in this field.

Greco has been on the rise in the country. In the past few years USA has gotten its first Greco-Roman medal at the U23 level, three medals for the U-20 team at the world championship in 2024, and two medalists, including one champion for the U-17 team. Investing and developing in this form of wrestling is going to be fruitful…who knows, maybe an Olympic gold?