Being banned from participating in the Olympic Games is never an easy blow to deal with. However, sometimes such a decision can pave the way for others to fulfill their own dreams from a seemingly impossible position. For Kamal Bey, the country’s foremost Greco-Roman wrestling celebrity, that’s exactly how things could pan out in the coming days.

While the Sunkist Kids wrestler was expected to secure his ticket to Paris at the World Olympic Games Qualifier held in Istanbul earlier this year, he failed to clinch a podium finish. As a result, his place on Team USA also remained uncertain, despite being one of the anchors of the wrestling style. However, things might be about to change.

Big doors might open up for Kamal Bey

In a recent article released by Olympics.com, a long list of unaffiliated wrestlers holding Russian passports has been released. These wrestlers have all received invitations to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, what any wrestling loyalist would notice is that some of the biggest names from the Russian wrestling circuit haven’t made the cut. With a bit of scrutiny, some might also observe that Sergei Kutuzov, the Russian Greco-Roman behemoth, is absent from the list of eligible wrestlers set to compete on the mat at the 2024 Games.

Given this situation, it means that the second-place finisher at the World Olympic Games Qualifier is now unable to represent his country on the big stage. With this latest development, wrestling fans in the USA can once again hope to see an American contender in the 77kg weight class, as Bey secured a fourth-place finish in Istanbul.

While Kamal expressed his annoyance over fans’ general ignorance toward Greco-Roman wrestling, often considered a less attractive sibling to freestyle wrestling, in general, he can rest assured that the true loyalists won’t hesitate to rally behind him when the calling from Paris harkens. However, adding woes to Kutuzov, the list has left out even more names hailing from Russia.

Hopes crumble for several high-profile wrestlers

Abdulrashid Sadulaev, one of Russia’s most accomplished wrestlers and a fierce rival of USA’s Kyle Snyder, is reportedly among those barred from participating in the Paris Olympics. With the two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion now out of contention, freestyle wrestlers in the 97kg bracket can breathe a sigh of relief. Additionally, in the 74kg weight class, Zaurbek Sidakov, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, will also not be competing in Paris. Sidakov has previously defeated top wrestlers like Kyle Dake and Jordan Burroughs, solidifying his status as one of the premier competitors in his weight class.

However, in the Greco-Roman department, the USA has already qualified in three weight categories. Cohlton Schultz, Alan Vera, and Spencer Woods have the responsibility of representing the country. With the possibility of another national sensation joining their ranks, Team USA aims to send a robust wrestling roster to the French capital.

Who are your picks among the men’s and women’s freestyle and men’s Greco-Roman stars who will be heading to Paris in July? Share your predictions for Team USA with us in the comments.