“Really Emotional “: After Securing Paris Olympics Spot for America, Greco-Roman Wrestler Unveils His Drive Behind Winning Ways

The Pan American Olympic Qualifiers saw the showdown of the Greco-Roman wrestling on the mats of Acapulco, Mexico. The 28 February event saw the US earning contention spots at three different Olympic weight classes for the Paris Olympics. Notably, the 97kg bracket saw a competitor clear the berth for the US after missing an Olympic shot last time.

Cuban-turned-American wrestler Alan Vera cleared the semi-final round with a clear and decisive victory. Finishing his match with a score of 7-1 against Luillys Perez Mora, Vera is now just one layer away from the Paris Olympics. However, Vera had to struggle a lot to gain such a big win. In fact, the Greco-Roman grappler narrated a sentimental tale of how he built himself up to stand as a potential Olympic candidate.

The Paris Olympics journey that started eight years ago

USA Wrestling added a new reel on Instagram featuring a clip from Vera’s post-match interview. According to the Paris Olympics hopeful, “Man, this is really emotional for me, because last time when I competed in the Dakar event, it was 8 years ago. So I missed my chance for Tokyo 2021, but I don’t give up.” 

Vera further said, “I told my coaches, my wife, my family, my sponsors, and they put everything on me, so I said ok, the only thing I have to do is step on the mat and do what I know to do for more than 20 years.” Interestingly, while Vera and his coaches were confident about his abilities, they chose to play a risky gamble to win today’s semifinal.

Luillys Perez Mora and Alan Vera crossed paths a week ago at the 2024 Pan American Championships as well. The 97kg wrestler’s coaches speculated that Mora would also be a big hurdle for the Paris Olympics qualification in the semi-finals. 

Thus, Vera had to win against the 2019 Pan Am bronze medalist without revealing all his cards. But, instead of this becoming a handicap, Vera won his match with a big difference. In fact, he won his opening match of the day to reach the Paris Olympics in a dominating fashion as well.

Putting both the body and the mind to work

Alan Vera initiated his Pan American Olympic Qualifiers campaign with a staunch 10-0 win over Panama’s Max Madrid De Leon. Vera received a technical fall for the big gap in points and was able to advance further with almost zero fatigue. Speaking about his strategy during his bouts, the Paris Olympics hopeful said that he wrestles against his opponent and the clock as well.

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The Greco-Roman wrestler noted that he comes prepared to be on the mat for six minutes. However, he seeks to finish a match quickly if he can. Vera had almost secured a technical fall on Mora as well, but couldn’t beat the clock. Now, the potential Paris Olympics contender will take a much-needed break with his family after his intense matches. Will the Acapulco victor get to replicate his performance at the 2024 Olympics?

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