The USA men’s wrestling has kicked off the Olympic year well and better through the opportunities the season has presented so far. Starting with the Zagreb Open, followed by complete domination at the Pan American Championships, the team has more to cheer for as day 1 of the Pan Am Olympic qualifiers comes to an end.
USA Wrestling has for long been staunch in securing berths for the Paris Olympics bouts. At the 2023 Senior World Championships, the team ensured to grab a total of seven quotas to the awaited stage. However, the names lacked in the Greco-Roman category for the nation. Come to the Pan Am Olympic qualifiers, the roster said no more.
Team USA wraps day 1 on a triumphant note
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Acapulco, Mexico on the 28th of Feb hosted the finest of the wrestlers in the region across Greco-Roman weight classes. Among the 6 that competed on the inaugural day for the US, three returned successfully across 87-97-130 kgs. The victories were etched in the names of Spencer Woods, Alan Vera, and the 23-year-old budding wrestler, Cohlton Schultz in the respective classes.
That's a wrap for day one—three Greco-Roman weight classes qualified for @TeamUSA! #WrestleAcapulco
👏 87 kg – Spencer Woods
👏 97 kg – Alan Vera
👏 130 kg – Cohlton SchultzWe now look to the World Olympic Games Qualifier to secure Paris bids at 60 kg, 67 kg and 77 kg.
— USA Wrestling (@USAWrestling) February 29, 2024
Spencer Woods, the military-grade wrestler took down Daniel Gregorich Hecavarria going 6-3, thus, ensuring a berth at the Paris Olympics. Alan Vera who went next finished 7-1 against Luillys Pérez in 97kg to inch a step closer to the Olympic glory. Cohlton Schultz, an already recognized force bested Moises Perez Hellburg 2-1 for a total of 6 technical points and the actual prize of a berth. With half the goal fulfilled, the USA will look to shine well in the next two days of Pan Am Olympic qualifiers.
Hopeful days ahead for USA at Pan Am Olympic qualifier
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The Pan Am Olympic qualifier is scheduled to host a total of 18 events across men’s and women’s freestyle and men’s Greco-Roman. Out of the lot, the roster required a total of 11 triumphs until day 1 delivered 3. Thus, going ahead all eyes are on 5 names at the freestyle showcase: Amit Elor, Dom Parrish, Nick Lee, Zane Richards, and Kayla Miracle.
Amit Elor is a 2022 and 2023 world champion but will compete in 68kg due to her class’s unavailability on the Olympic roster. Dominique Parrish next in line is a 2022 World Champion and will look to reach the semi-finals to have the USA mark 58kg for Paris 2024. Further along, Nick Lee, who won the Pan Am championships last week, will hope to secure a 65kg berth followed by an eventual opportunity of making it to his first Olympics.
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Zen Richards, the 4-time NCAA qualifier falls on the similar as he takes on the 57kgs. To top it off well, Kayla Miracle, 2021 and 2022 silver medalist in 62kg will perform in hopes of making it to her second Olympics. With goals and stance in place, the roster and enthusiasts await favorable results.
