Zain Retherford makes American wrestling fans proud again as he has earned the coveted ticket to the Paris Olympics wrestling contest. In the ongoing World Olympics Wrestling qualifier in Istanbul, the Penn State phenom went on to register a 7-0 result against the challenger Niurgun Skriabin in sealing his chance. It led him to earn a 4-0 sweep on the day in the Başakşehir Gençlik ve Spor Tesisleri arena, which was necessary for the prized selection. Ultimately, the USA Wrestling’s X handle has celebrated the moment with a fitting post. 

Eventually, it was the repechage round after Zain Retherford’s previous day’s loss. However, with such a result, the Pennsylvania native has now joined a group of Penn State NLWC wrestlers who have punched their ticket for the Parisian contest.

The stellar group showcases the names of Aaron Brooks (86 kg category), Kyle Drake (74 kg category), Kyle Snyder (97 kg category), and Zain Retherford (65 kg category). But for the Benton grad, the ladder to the Paris Olympic qualification has not come easy after receiving entry through the repechage round. 

Before facing Niurgun Skriabin, Zain Retherford had to overcome a tough challenge from the Indian wrestler, Sujeet Kalkal. Eventually, it was a 2-2 criteria victory siding with the former world championship medalist on the way. Previously, the two needed victories came from the contests against Abdulmazhid Kudiev (Tajikistan) and Alibegov (Bahrain).

In both matches, the PSU made his mark not only with the consolation win but also with the trademark grappling that remained a treat to the audience and the wrestling fans. In displaying his prowess, Zain Retherford inflicted the much-known Textbook Double trick on Kudiev. Against Alibegov, he applied the Half-Nelson trick.

Eventually, the opponents had no answer to those moves as Retherford took up the victory with ease. However, such a showdown in the repechage round had seemed to be difficult, especially after a thrashing defeat (7-2)from the Mongolian opponent Tulga Tumur Ochir in the round of 16. But in crafting such victories on the wrestling mat, Zain Retherford once again establishes the mantra he has been following since his inception in elite wrestling. 

Zain Retherford owns victory and losses as his badge of honor 

Despite his participation in the 65 kg category in the Olympic qualifier in Istanbul, Zain Retherford claims the 70kg bracket is much closer to his heart. However, such a change of bracket had come after his defeat in the Tokyo Olympics trial. Previously, the consecutive defeats in the 65-kg category in World Championships (2017 and 2019) had left a self-doubt about Zain’s aesthetics as well. So after such a fateful performance, the Wisconsin-born shifted to the 70-kg bracket. 

Ultimately, Zain Retherford found his Midas touch in wrestling and the 2023 World Championship’s final witnessed him donning the gold medal around his neck. But such a success could have been short-lived for him as Zain had to return to the 65-kg bracket being the Olympic event. However, PSU coach Cael Sanderson’s tips helped him largely in this transition. 

Putting such a vivid experience in words, Zain Retherford once said, “Wins and losses in wrestling are like a bouquet of flowers” and he is ready to accept those with open arms. In Istanbul, he tasted both. Furthermore, the victory today proves to be his stunning comeback, as in January, Zain was ready to hang on his boots to pursue a full job. Yet, here he is, living another day on the mat, eyeing the Paris Olympics.