Spencer Lee’s Coach Believes Wrestling Prodigy in “Best Position” Despite 8-Year International Drought Before Paris Olympics

As the dust settled on the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials, Spencer Lee emerged as the dominant force. Lee’s coach Tom Brands rejoiced as his pupil defeated Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Thomas Gilman in the finals. Lee has been on a dominant run since 2023, only losing to Nick Suriano at the US Open. Now, the Iowa Hawkeye head coach believes Lee is ready for Olympic glory.

The Denver, Colorado-born wrestler has dominated national and Pan-American events. However, the 25-year-old freestyle wrestling prodigy’s last international medal came nearly 8 years ago. Although the Hawkeye Wrestling Club star won the U20 World Championships in 2016, Brands is confident in Lee’s potential to earn gold in Paris.

“He’s where he needs to be for the next step, and that’s the most important thing. When you have a chance of takin’ care of business, you’re takin’ care of it. Put yourself in the best position. He did, and he did it on his own… did it in (a) short turn around,” Tom Brands told WHO 13 News. However, Spencer Lee’s coach isn’t the only one who is confident about his chances.

The 3x NCAA Division I champion shares his coach’s confidence and enthusiasm. “I feel good, man. I’m ready to go. We know what it takes to be at that level. I got coaches who have been there,” Lee told the Iowa media house. The Hawkeye head coach and his twin brother Terry Brands are Olympic medalists. There is also a good reason why Lee’s coaches are so confident.

While Spencer Lee didn’t win any major international contests in recent years, he continued his dominant run at the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament. Team USA’s 57 kg wrestling star defeated opponents from Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, China, and other countries at the tournament. Besides a gold medal, there is something more personal at stake for Lee.

Spencer Lee hopes to elevate his family’s legacy

The Paris Olympics is truly a unique opportunity for the Iowa-based wrestler. While both his parents practiced judo, the 25-year-old’s mother was an Olympic alternate, who was born and raised in France. Cathy Lee’s family still lives in France, and Spencer is stoked to perform well in front of his grandmother. Paris 20204 is personal for 3x Big Ten gold medalist.

In fact, the wrestler isn’t just honing his skills on the mat, but also brushing up his language skills. Spencer Lee hopes to make his family proud by winning an Olympic medal and speaking to his grandmother and her family in French. That’s why the Olympian spent time with the French wrestling delegation in Colorado.

Although Team USA’s 57 kg Olympic prospect faced an international medal drought, he’s determined to end it by winning the biggest international event of them all. With days left until wrestling kicks off, the 25-year-old has the faith of his coaches and family.