Since the beginning of the Pan American Championships, spectators are anticipating the enthralling showdowns across multiple weights and various categories. Yesterday, Greco-Romans kick-started the event with seven podium finishes while only two contenders on the team achieved gold.
As the second day of the event has begun, spectators are expecting the USA’s roster to add more accolades to the long list of achievements ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Along the same lines, One of the top contenders on the team displayed prowess on the court while keeping up with the heavy weight of expectations.
Pan American Championships: Day 2
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In a recent showdown, USA’s 50kg women’s freestyle contender Audrey Jimenez passed with flying colors. To share this ecstatic news among the spectators, USA Wrestling took it to their Twitter account and announced, “WFS 50 kg – Bronze Medal Match – Audrey Jimenez dec. Katie Dutchak , 8-2 #WrestleAcapulco Jimenez secures at the Pan-American Championships!“
WFS 50 kg – Bronze Medal Match – Audrey Jimenez 🇺🇸 dec. Katie Dutchak 🇨🇦, 8-2 #WrestleAcapulco
Jimenez secures 🥉at the Pan-American Championships!
— USA Wrestling (@USAWrestling) February 22, 2024
This wrestling season, Audrey became the first girl in history to not only win an appeal with the Arizona Interscholastic Association but also capture the wrestling title at Division I against boys. Coming up on the Pan American wrestling mat with a recent historical achievement, Audrey turned out to be fortunate for Team USA.
Recently, in a riveting showdown, Audrey Jimenez faced off against Canadian contender Katie Dutchak soon after embarking on the wrestling arena. After displaying sheer prowess, Audrey secured a victory in the bronze medal bout with a commanding 8-2 win. However, the bronze medal win cost her a spot at the final showdown.
Audrey’s Pan American Championship journey
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Despite being ranked in the 13th position, she not only dominated a higher-ranking wrestler but also made it difficult for the opponent to stand on her feet. She paved her path to the quarterfinal showdown after defeating No. 12 Linda Sarahi Casteneda Gaona by 10-0. However, the quarterfinal match turned out to be a major upset for the girl who competed with boys during the regular wrestling season.
Read More: Pan American Championships: USA’s Greco-Roman Wrestlers Shine Bright With 7 Podium Finishes
Unfortunately, Audrey not only lost the chance to compete in the final showdown but was also defeated by Jacqueline Del Rocio Mollocana Eleno by 6-2. Since gold medal winners at the Pan American Championships will be awarded a coveted spot at the upcoming US Olympic qualifiers, Audrey missed a chance to even fight for the spot due to her quarterfinal failure.
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But Audrey is not the only contender on the USA’s plate. Apart from her USA’s incredible roster, it features the upcoming showdowns of Kyle Synder, Jacob Moran, Kyle Dake, and Mason Parris. There is a higher chance that these top-ranking wrestlers will add more gold to the USA’s collection before the conclusion of the Pan American Championships.
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