Sometimes, a stellar run can take a downward turn in the most unforeseen circumstances. Team USA has been running on a high horse at the Pan American Olympic Qualifiers, sweeping almost all weight classes. However, last night posed a challenge for the University of Illinois wrestler Zane Richards, that proved to be an unconquerable one for the 2023 US national champion.

After cruising past his Costa Rican opponent in the quarterfinal match in the 57kg weight class, Richards was the USA’s best bet to qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympics. His 14-1 victory in the match gave hope to the country’s wrestling fans, but fate had a different plan for the 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist.

57kg remains unconquered at the Pan American Olympic Qualifier

A recent Twitter post by the official USA Wrestling account shared Richards’ result at the Pan American Olympic qualifiers with a humble tone that mirrors the current emotions of the country’s fans of the port. Stomping over his foe in the first match, Zane proved to be a worthy opponent who could make sure Team USA’s Olympic aspirations were not unfounded in the 57kg category. However, it was not to be.

“57 kg SF – Darian Cruz dec. Zane Richards, 2-2″, informs the post. While the points were tied, Zane’s loss came as he fell short of the criteria parameters. Despite bagging a shot clock point to edge past Cruz with a 2-1 lead after the first period (which ended tied 1-1), the latter bounced back strongly and clinched the win with a step-out score. While Richards’ loss came as a demotivating blow for Team USA, his defeat was handed by a wrestler who has his own fanbase in the country.

Darian Cruz is a common name for anyone who follows the collegiate wrestling scene in the US. Competing for Lehigh University, Cruz has won the 2017 NCAA title and has asserted his dominance in style. Despite the stumble making things disappointing on the third day of the Pan American Olympic qualifier, the first two had enough to compensate for the loss.

Team USA making waves in Mexico

The first day of the tournament was a resounding success for the USA in Acapulco, Mexico. Days after dominating the Pan Am Championships, the country’s wrestlers held on to the momentum to qualify in three weight classes for the Paris Olympics on Day 1. As the nation suffered heartbreak after the loss of Kamal Bey and Alex Sancho, Cohlton Schultz, Spencer Woods, and Alan Vera did their part to make up for it.

Read more: Pan Am Olympic Qualifiers: USA’s No.1 Ranked Woman Wrestler Makes Major Progress Towards Olympic Debut

Day 2 proved to be just as good with Kayla Miracle, Dom Parrish, and Amit Elor securing their tickets to the French metropolitan. Now, it waits to be seen how the national team heads back to the drawing board to come back stronger to make sure the 57kg weight class doesn’t go unchallenged on the big stage later in the year.

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