The Pan American Championships have high stakes for the USA wrestlers. The tournament, being a major stepping stone for the Paris Olympics, is slated to push the participants a few steps toward Paris. Understandably, the US contingency of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers will go all out to put the opportunities to use. First in line was the Greco-Roman squad that opened the competition for Team USA on day one of the event. The competition in this style is conducted under ten weight classes, among which eight were fought today.

On its very first outing, Team USA set the tone right toward its Paris Journey. In a staunch display of prowess, the day found seven Greco-Roman wrestlers making their way to the podium. Notably, some of them secured their berths for the US Olympic qualifiers. USA Wrestling updated the achievement on their social media.

Pan American Championships: medals of all colors on day one

After the recent showdowns, USA Wrestling took it to their Twitter account and announced, “The U.S. opened the Pan-American Championships in Acapulco, Mexico, with seven medals in Greco-Roman.” Team USA added two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes to their kitty.

Trending

Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting

May 16, 2024 06:00 AM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s Absence From “Inside the NBA” Is Due to TNT’s Uncertain Future, as Per Reports

May 15, 2024 07:32 AM EDT

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Stepmother Follows Through on the Grudge, With His Legacy Also Hanging in the Balance

May 16, 2024 04:49 AM EDT

$35 Million Worth Drew Bledsoe Breaks Silence on How Much Netflix Paid Him for Tom Brady Roast

May 16, 2024 07:46 AM EDT

Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs ‘Insulted’ Following NFL Schedule Release as Brock Purdy’s 49ers and 2 Franchises Overshadow Back-to-Back Super Bowl Champions

May 16, 2024 06:30 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The event was kicked off by Randon Miranda at the 60kgs. After dominating his first two opponents, Miranda fell to Raiber Rodriguez Orozco of Venezuela (8-7) to clinch the silver medal. 

Followed by Miranda, Hayden Tuma clinched Pan American Gold in the 63kg category against Hector Sanchez Zapata of Mexico by 4-0. Tuma won all his bouts on the way to gold. Soon one more gold was added to the tally.

Alex Sancho locked horns against Equador’s Andres Montano Arroyo at 67 kgs. he defeated his opponent from Ecuador by 3-1 to win Pan American Gold. Another major attraction at the event was the bronze medal bouts, where Kamal Bey and Cohlton Shultz were illuminating on the wrestling mat.

Kamal Bey at 77kgs secured Pan American bronze because of a technical fall against Wuileixix Rivas Espinoza by 11-1. Cohlton Schultz, on the other hand, secured victory within just 34 seconds, and cleaned a remarkable win by pinning Moises Perez Hellburg. Their achievements were backed up well by the silver medals from Randon Miranda (60kg) and Mahmoud Sebie (82kg). With all these, let us turn our focus on the Olympic qualification status.

Who secured an Olympic trials berth?

Although seven Greco-Romans found a place for themselves among the top 3, only two of them could accomplish the US Olympic Trials spot. As per rules specified by the USA Wrestling earlier, athletes who win gold in Acapulco will qualify for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in State College, Pennsylvania. Therefore, after the first day, only Sancho and Tuma secured their places. However, the battle is far from over.

Read more: Iowa Cyclones Wrestling Set to Honor Senior David Carr and 8 Others in Their Home Finale Against West Virginia

The Greco-Roman fights for 72 kg and 97 kg resumes tomorrow at 10 a.m. CT. It will be followed by the women’s freestyle competitions. Also On the cards will be the heated men’s battle until the event ends on February 24. Stay tuned for more action!

Watch this story: I Can Wrestle With Anybody Anytime: The Unranked Purdue Wrestler Proved His Boast