As the countdown for the Paris Olympics 2024 intensifies, the mounting anticipation has reached a feverish pitch in the wrestling world. All emotions have converged in the arena at the Zagreb Open as an elite pool of athletes from across the globe showcase the pinnacle of their skills on the mat. Interestingly, all eyes were set upon one freestyle wrestler from the United States echelons, who updated her resume recently in hopes of an Olympic berth.

The upper weight classes for the Paris Olympics 2024 are 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 68kg, and 76kg. For 65kg specialist Forrest Molinari, this was a major hurdle. However, in a matter of mere months, the venerable wrestling icon has added one more paragraph to her athletic encyclopedia. Her final performance at the Zagreb Open on Friday had more insights.

Forrest Molinari conquers weight change en route to the Paris Olympics

The Zagreb Open has enormous significance in the Olympic year. As the first UWW Ranking Tournament of the year, the medal earners in Croatia will have a definite shot at making their respective nations’ Olympic squad.

Among the freestyle wrestlers eyeing the U.S. berth is the 2021 World Championship bronze medalist Forrest Ann Molinari. However, she had to endure a weight change prior to continuing the contention. Originally a 65kg virtuoso, Molinari needed to switch to the 68kg to match the Olympics’ weight criteria.

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USA Wrestling posted the results of her recent foray on the mat in the 68kg matchup against China’s Qian Jiang at the Zagreb Open. Notably, Molinari secured three victories before trouncing the 2019 Asian U20 champion in the finals.

However, her inexperience in the 68kg showed in the last fight against China’s Feng Zhou. Despite being placed on the clock twice, Molinari could not score. Thus, the gold medal slipped from her fingers, and she had to be content with the silver. Considering her performance during the 2020 Tokyo Games, she has ample reason for satisfaction amid the weight change success this year.

Forrest Molinari’s success in the 68kg

Forrest Molinari executed a superfluous effort in the 68kg fight at the 2020 Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin. Her maiden performance secured a bronze medal and became the fuel for further training. The 28-year-old wrestler exhibited the results of that training at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. She defeated her Venezuelan rival, Soleymi Caraballo, and registered her first gold medal in the 68kg weight class.

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Now, she is a double-pronged threat in the 65kg and 68kg weight classes. For the Paris Olympics 2024, Forrest Molinari will continue to sharpen her skills and reach perfection in the new weight class.

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