“I feel good,” said American freestyle wrestler Spencer Lee as he began his journey to the Paris Olympics. Iowa Coach Tom Brands is playing it safe, with many athletes lacking international experience. This limited exposure outside the USA is a challenge against seasoned global opponents. Lee qualified for the Olympics after dominating in collegiate wrestling. Despite a knee injury that kept him out of the Tokyo Olympics, he won gold at the Pan American Championship, two golds at the U20 World Championship, and three NCAA Division 1 titles.

Spencer Lee went 4-0 at the World Olympic Games Qualifier in Istanbul, taking just 36 seconds to beat Rakhat Kalzhan from Kazakhstan in his qualifying match. Despite his achievements, Lee regrets not having an Olympic medal. As he and Coach Brands prepare, the question remains: will his lack of international experience affect his performance?

Spencer Lee set his eyes on the Paris Olympics despite limited international experience

In an interview with Iowa coach Tom Brands at The Gazette on August 5, 2024, he confidently said, “It’s time to perform,” indicating how the team is ready to compete in the Paris Olympics. He further added, “Zero hour is upon us, to use a term from (legendary Iowa Coach Dan) Gable. It’s coming quick,”  emphasizing that their team has reached the peak moment and highlighting the importance and urgency of the upcoming competition. The 25-year-old had a college record of winning 98 matches and losing 6, taking home gold at the NCAA Division I and Big Ten Championships three times.

All his achievements make Spencer Lee a strong contender for the Paris Olympics. In the same interview, Coach Brands remarked, “It’s certainly important to our program. We’re not just throwing our hat in the ring.” He added, “I can say that and not freak Spencer Lee out. He’s there to perform and we love that,” showcasing his confidence in Lee’s ability. This is not the first time Brands has helped Lee win many competitions. Lee’s Olympic future has depended on him for most of the year.

He told the reporters that he was happy that he pulled off the trials and got the chance to prove himself, saying, “For me, it was like now I get to prove myself that I should have done more to be on the national team the year before so that I could have made the opportunity myself. So, I kind of got to be able to take that back for myself.” Winning at the Olympic Trials in April was not enough for Lee to go to the Olympics. This is because none of the United States wrestlers in the 57-kilogram group finished in the top five at the 2023 World Championships.

Lee will carry the Stars and Stripes and hold a Tigerhawk in his heart. He’ll represent USA Wrestling and add to Hawkeye Wrestling’s legacy at the Olympics. “I’m excited,” Lee said. Spencer Lee expressed that he feels he is representing Iowa as well. He emphasized that Iowa is a significant part of his identity and training. He mentioned that his connection to Iowa, where he trained and was coached, is strong, and it would be incorrect to say he isn’t representing Iowa because he truly is.

Also, none finished second or better at the Pan-American Games qualifier. Lee had to get third place or higher in Istanbul to earn a spot on the Olympic team. Lee’s win over Kalzhan meant that Lee would be in the top three. But, will Lee’s less experience at the Olympics prove disadvantageous? That’s the question.

Spencer Lee’s journey from college to international wrestling

Lee had begun his freestyle wrestling matches with his dominant senior-level performance. First, he won gold at the Bill Farrell Memorial meet in November against wrestlers from other countries. Then, he became the top American senior wrestler by winning the U.S. Senior National Championship in December. The only thing left for him to win is an Olympic medal. So, now he is getting ready to perform at the Paris Olympics after intensive training and trials triumph. On that note, Lee confidently told WHO 13, “I’m ready to go. We know what it takes to be at that level. I got coaches who have been there and know what it takes to train and prepare the best.”

Brands reflected, “He’s where he needs to be for the next step, and that’s the most important thing.” He further exaggerates how Lee has put himself in the best position on his own in a short turnaround. Spencer Lee will wrestle at 57kg for men’s freestyle wrestling. His chance to bag a medal at the Olympics will start on August 8th through the 9th. The best way to see Lee and the other 57kg wrestlers compete is on Peacock. The wrestling competition at the Olympics began on Aug 5 and will end on Aug 11. The men’s freestyle division will start on Aug. 8 at 4 A.M. (CT) and conclude on the 9th of August. Now, everyone’s eyes are on the upcoming match to witness whether Lee can prove himself and get a medal.