Catastrophic Displays by USA’s Greco-Roman Wrestlers Prompts Contemplation of Abandoning the Sport to Expand Freestyle Wrestling Categories

At the 2023 World Wrestling Championship, US freestyle wrestlers once again left fans in awe. On the fourth day of the event, the U.S. Men’s Freestyle World Team, after an extraordinary performance, was crowned the team champions. With a total score of 148 points, surpassing Iran (108) and Georgia (80), the team won their fifth title on the mats of Serbia.

However, on the other hand, the US Greco-Roman wrestlers seemed to be displaying a catastrophic performance on the mats. On September 21, three US Greco athletes were eliminated from the event. Amidst this, the wrestling community is in contemplation of putting their focus on expanding freestyle categories instead. Especially after being outdone by several wrestlers over the course of the championships.

Focusing on expanding to freestyle wrestling

With a less-than-ideal performance at the championship, the American wrestling community is considering focusing more on freestyle wrestling. On September 18th, podcast BASCHAMANIA did a live breakdown of Day 1 and Day 2 of the championships. During the podcast, Willie Saylor of MatScouts spoke to Justin Basch about freestyle. Saylor said, “Going forward, they need to fight for ten freestyle weights in the Olympics. I don’t know if they want to pay more money or cut Greco, but it’s the best option.”

Further, while talking about the deteriorating condition of Greco, Saylor added, “It doesn’t sell; it doesn’t give ratings; nobody watches it if NBC looks at their rating of who is watching freestyle vs. Greco vs. women. I am sure freestyle rules the day.

Lastly, while highlighting the necessity of expanding freestyle wrestling, he said, “If you want a viable product, instead of treading water and fighting for your existence, you make freestyle ten weights.” Interestingly, this interview comes after three Greco-Roman athletes were eliminated from the World Wrestling Championship.

Currently, Kamal Bey (77kg) is the only wrestler with the chance of pulling himself back into the event.

Devastating display of USA Greco-Roman wrestlers at Belgrade

On September 21, the dreams of three top-notch wrestlers, Brady Koontz (55kg), Cohlton Schultz(130 kg), and Spencer Woods (82 kg), were shattered. Koontz lost his chance of winning at the event after Denis Mihai, who had defeated him by a score of 9-0, lost in the semi-finals against Jasurbek Ortikbeov. Cohlton Shultz also faced defeat as Romans Fridrikas, who had emerged as the winner against him in the 16th round of the match, lost against Amin Mirzazadeh.

Lastly, Spencer Woods was eliminated after the athlete lost the qualifying match against Shafarenko with a score of 5-3. Currently, only one USA Greco athlete has a chance to repechage in the event, Kamal Bey. The 25-year-old must qualify for three repechage matches to participate in the bronze match against Malkhas Amoyan.

Also read:24-Year-Old American Wrestling Star One Win Away From Matching Father’s Record After World Championship 2023 Triumph

In essence, Greco-Roman wrestlers have truly witnessed many back-to-back setbacks during this season. Hopefully, now Kamal Bey will be able to clinch a medal at the event at the Worlds and bring back the glory of the Greco wrestlers in the United States.

What do you think about Saylor’s assessment?

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