In his wrestling career, Alan Vera witnessed several ups and downs. Coming from Cuba, his love for Greco-Roman wrestling nestled in his country. Later, he grabbed the Cuban national wrestling championships four times. His success touched the sky in 2016 when Vera nailed his opponents to take the Pan American Championships. But the twist of fate did not let him settle in Cuba. He had to move to the USA the same year. However, he found ground under his feet after earning a place in the Team USA. Everything was going smoothly. Yet again, his fate stood as a barrier. 

Despite securing a quota for the Paris Olympics, he failed to claim the right to fill the spot in the USA wrestling trials this year. And now he is no more. On September 23, Alan Vera passed away. But his fans remember his masterclass. Two such fans have recently gone down their memory lanes to discuss the mark Vera left behind. 

Alan Vera, the individual behind the veil of wrestler 

In the YouTube podcast, Weighing In with David Mirikitani, Grant Turner turned to discuss the life of Alan Vera. As per the update provided by USA Wrestling, the 33-year-old Cuban-American wrestler breathed his last on September 23. He had previously suffered a catastrophic heart attack this summer. Later, he failed to regain his health from that blow. Ultimately, that put a death knell on Monday. Meanwhile, Vera is survived by his wife, Elena Pirozhkhova, and their daughter, Alina, who is just a few months old.

Such a situation has left both Mirikitani and Turner sad. Particularly, after sharing a close bond with the deceased wrestler since the early days, Grant felt a tremendous blow because of this loss. He remembered the national wrestler as the “kindest gentlest.” The grief because of the separation of the bond was heard in his voice when the Grand View wrestling assistant coach said, “Gone too soon.” In the middle of this, Mirikitani recalled the legends he had heard about Vera.

He ultimately informed Turner that he had heard the New Jersey resident as “a great husband and a father.” The host also highlighted Alan Vera’s upbeat nature, which often led him to help his opponent wrestlers. Grant Turner is well acquainted with the nature of his friend. He ultimately nodded in agreement. Regardless, both the wrestling raconteurs admitted the ongoing situation with Elena Pirozkhova, the two-time Olympian. 

Previously, when Alan had to be admitted to the hospital because of his cardiac arrest, the family asked for help, posting a request on the GoFundMe page. However, USA wrestling came forward. This time, they had to follow the same. But now Mirikitani has no idea about USA Wrestling’s approach. Yet, a score of sad notes has taken up the platform since Monday. 

The wrestling community cries over the loss 

According to David Mirikitani, he remembers Alan Vera as a soft-spoken person. He also found him to be a dedicated soul, eager to help others. This realization was reflected in Herb House’s voice while remembering the former Pan-American wrestling champion.

Knowing Vera since 2016, the national coach laid out, “He has been a true leader, always ready to do anything for anyone in need. His selflessness and dedication have made a lasting impact on me.” This dedication has found a shout-out from Grant Turner as well, who saw Alan Vera in the Florida Jets for the first time. Now, all these memories put a load on the loving hearts, as they did on Rich Bender’s. 

In an official note, Bender, the executive director of USA wrestling, said, “Our hearts have been broken. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan. The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world.” Alan Vera’s death has left an irreparable space in the USA wrestling.