Before the Paris Olympics 2024 year, in the Santiago Pan American Games, the African-American wrestler Kamal Bey enabled his national team to achieve a rare commotion. His Greco-Roman victory in the 77-kg category helped the USA to have 100 golds in the tournament. Since then, the goal has been steady- to chase the 100 gold medals in the multi-sport event. Kamal Bey registered his name in history by availing that lofty feat. That’s how the 26-year-old wrestling star has been watching his coming days‌ to keep cementing his higher position. 

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The Mexico Pan American Games is his next chance. However, belonging to the African-American community, the Army WCAP member had something to say about his motivation for the Paris Olympics 2024. During Black History Month, the discussion was set to rouse many emotions together. 

The meaning of a role model and some luminaries who set the bar 

The Pan American Games is set to blow the starting whistle on February 21. However, this time the contest will garland several wrestlers with their Paris Olympics 2024  berth in the second half of the tournament. So ultimately, before stepping up to the occasion, Kamal Bey voiced some remarking words regarding his introspection in USA Wrestling’s interview.

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“You learn a lot being a role model. Obviously, I have people who mentor me and show me what it takes to be a role model”, the Greco-Roman wrestler added. Soon, he confessed about his role models from the black athletes. “I look at some of my favorite black athletes, like… Sean Lewis, Herb House, and Kendall McCoy… Kevin Jackson”, Kamal Bey claimed. But for the next generation, his stakes are high. 

“Some of my advice is you have to be fun. You have to be light-hearted. You have to understand the situation, be open-minded,” were his words of wisdom. The former junior world champion exemplified himself to show what could be the approach for the future African-American masculinities to find themselves in history.

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“[when] young African-American males see me, they see someone who’s successful, someone who’s enjoying what he’s doing. It’s allowed me to explore the world,” he normalized. Now to extend his exemplification, the phenom is aiming for the Paris Olympics 2024 berth. 

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Acapulco sets the tone for the Paris Olympics 2024 

Last year, in Santiago, Kamal Bey claimed his first senior wrestling gold. Being a soldier-athlete, he clarified his Paris Olympics 2024 goal from that stage. Ultimately, the WCAP heavyweight is attempting the Pan American Games to get his Olympic berth. The second half of the tournament in Acapulco will continue from February 28 to March 1. That stage will send 36 wrestlers from the Americas to the Paris Olympics 2024. For Kamal Bey, that will be his chance to earn glory. 

Read more: Paris Olympics 2024 Update: Russian World Champion Wrestler Switches National Allegiance to Stacked Uzbekistan Team

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But he knows about the stiff challenges on the route. His category already holds Cuban spearhead Yosvanys Pena Flores. But as he jotted down his idea of motivation, the 26-year-old might see the better wrestling days henceforth.

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

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Prasun Chakrabarty

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Prasun Chakrabarty is a Senior Writer in the Olympic Sports division at EssentiallySports, where he covers track and field, gymnastics, swimming, and other Olympic disciplines. A seasoned journalist with three years at the company, Prasun's extensive knowledge and passion for track and field were evident from day one. With years of connections and research already established, he brought a unique edge to the ES Insights and Trends Desk. He has since become a key voice in the company's Olympic sports coverage. His star coverage includes World Athletics Indoor Championships, USATF Outdoor Championships, and reporting live from the U.S. Marathon Trials. His expertise earned him a special invitation from the Paris City Council to cover lead-up events ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Over time, his stories have sparked real-world impact. His piece on athlete mental toughness drew praise from Texas Volleyball head coach Jerritt Elliott, while a feature on winter sports caught the attention of Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, who engaged with it publicly. His reporting has made its way into Wikipedia, where editors have cited his work as a trusted source on Olympic sports. Being an alum of the Journalistic Excellence Program (JEP) and an active member of the ES Think Tank, he’s part of the team driving the site’s long-term coverage strategy.

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Bhujaya Ray Chowdhury