New weight, new outlook for Greco standout Lester
Two-time World bronze medalist finds perfect fit at new weight class of 71 kg
By Craig Sesker Wrestling is fun again for Justin Lester. And that’s great news for Team USA as the 30-year-old Lester continues his quest to win a World title in Greco-Roman wrestling. FILA’s expansion to eight weight class- es in each style for the World Championships included the addition of a new Greco weight class of 71 kg/156 lbs. And that sits well with Lester, a 2012 Olympian and two-time World bronze medalist. He previously wrestled at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
There were previously seven classes for the Worlds in Greco.
“Adding weight classes is great for the sport,” Lester said. “For me personally, the extra five kilos I will get is a godsend. It’s a perfect weight class for me. It won’t be as hard and as taxing on my body. I can focus more on my training and my wrestling now. I’m having more fun wrestling now than I’ve had in a long time.”
Lester, a member of the U.S. Army’s
World Class Athlete Program, last won a World medal in 2007. He finished fifth in the World in 2011 and wrestled well in winning the 2013 U.S. World Team Trials. But Lester was unable to compete at the 2013 World Championships after hav- ing trouble making it down to 66 kilos and was replaced in the U.S. lineup by fellow Olympian Ellis Coleman.
Lester turned in a dominant perform- ance in early March, winning titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle at the Armed Forces Championships.
He competed at 70 kg/154 lbs. in freestyle.
“I feel real comfortable at the new weight class,” Lester said. “It was a pretty easy cut and I was actually able to eat the night before weigh-ins. It was a whole different experience for me.”
26 USA Wrestler
Justin Lester (in red) defeated fellow Olympian Ellis Coleman at the 2013 U.S. World Team Trials in Greco-Roman wrestling. USA Wrestling file photo.
Lester is considering wrestling both Greco and freestyle this season at the Senior level.
“Greco is my first job and I need to make sure I win there,” he said. “I want to get it done in Greco. I would love to do freestyle if I can. I think I can be competi- tive in freestyle with the weight class they have now.” Lester’s main goal remains the same in Greco-Roman wrestling.
“I want to win a World title,” he said. “I have a great opportunity now with this new weight class. It’s just a matter of get- ting back to the way I wrestle. I’ve still got a lot of work to do and adjustments to make.
“There’s definitely some fire left in me. I wouldn’t be doing this if there wasn’t any fire left. I’m a competitor and I want to win. Wrestling is something I still love doing. I want to be the best.”
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