Continued from page 6
May 19 and a youth event, the Junior Greco-Roman World Duals in Concord, Calif., May 23-26. Each of the three Senior events will be headlined by out-
standing Olympic wrestling talent. The Curby Cup will feature 13 individual Olympians, including Olympic silver medalist Tamas Lorincz of Hungary at 66 kg and Olympic bronze medalists Peter Modos of Hungary at 55 kg, Aleksandr Kazekevic of Lithuania at 74 kg and Mindaugus Mizgaitis of Lithuania at 120 kg.
The Rumble on the Rails in New York City features nine Olympians, including Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs of the USA at 74 kg and Olympic bronze medalists Ehsan Lashgari of Iran at 84 kg and Komeil Ghasemi of Iran at 120 kg. The United 4 Wrestling dual between the USA and Iran in Los Angeles showcases nine different Olympians, with Olympic champion Burroughs and Olympic bronze medalists Lashgari and Ghasemi back on the mats, along with Olympic bronze medalist Coleman Scott of the USA at 60 kg. Much attention has been focused on the involvement of the United States, Iran and Russia in these important events. Since the IOC announcement, these three nations have worked close- ly together to help support Olympic wrestling. Although their governments do not always agree, the wrestling leaders in these nations have a strong working relationship. “It is an exciting opportunity for wrestling to show the world its
ability to bring together nations of different political, cultural and geographic backgrounds,” said Bender. CPOW had an important presence at the 2013 U.S. Open in
Las Vegas, Nev., where the Save Olympic Wrestling Coalition was announced at a press conference. Bender was joined with CPOW Director of Development John Bardis, two-time Olympic champions Bruce Baumgartner and John Smith, and Las Vegas Events chief Pat Christenson at the press function. Bardis gave an update on the fundraising program and explained how the leadership from the United States has helped the new FILA leadership to improve the sport internationally. Smith talked about why the USA vs. Iran vs. Russia competition in Grand Central Terminal in New York City will be such an important event.
Baumgartner gave his perspective on why wrestling should be in the Olympic Games forever. Christenson talked about the significance of the 2015 World Wrestling Championships com- ing to Las Vegas. All-American Wrestling Supply and Cliff Keen Athletic, who worked together on an official Keep Olympic Wrestling shirt, presented a check for $25,129 to Bardis for the cause. A new text to donate program was then announced. Anybody can now donate $10 to the Keep Olympic Wrestling Fund by texting the word “wrestle” to 501501. Prior to the start of a morning session of the U.S. Open, hun-
Continued on page 20 USA Wrestler 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44