#Lima2019

Conder Wins Second Pan Am Games in First Day of Women’s Freestyle

Friday, August 9, 2019 - 03:48 By Taylor Miller

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LIMA, Peru - Whitney CONDER (USA) picked up her second Pan American Games title, defeating Lianna MONTERO HERRERA (CUB) in the 50 kg final of the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

The American tallied the 10-2 win, using her counter offense to propel her to victory over Montero, a 2019 Pan Am Championships gold medalist.

The 2015 Pan Am Games champ, Conder is also a three-time Pan American Championships finalist, claiming gold in 2018.

Also winning gold for USA was Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA), a 2018 World silver medalist, who secured her first Pan Am Games title with a tech fall win in the 53 kg finals against Betzabeth ARGUELLO VILLEGAS (VEN), who was a 2015 Pan Am Games bronze medalist.

Hildebrandt’s leg lace proved to be deadly as she turned Arguello four times after an early takedown for the 10-0 shutout. Hildebrandt also won the Pan American Championship earlier this year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

At 57 kg, 2019 Pan Am champion and 2015 Pan Am Games bronze medalist Lissette ANTES CASTILLO (ECU) kept the USA from sweeping the gold medals as she held off 2008 Cadet Pan Am champion Jenna BURKERT (USA) for a 2-1 victory.

Trailing 1-0 at the break, Antes scored two step outs in the second period for the Pan Am Games title.

Countries taking home bronze medals included Peru, Colombia, Cuba, Canada, Puerto Rico and Brazil.

Women’s freestyle action wraps up on Friday with 62 kg, 68 kg and 76 kg.

2019 PAN AMERICAN GAMES
at Lima, Peru

Women’s freestyle finals

50 kg
GOLD - Whitney CONDER (USA) df. Yusneylis GUZMÁN LÓPEZ (CUB), 10-2
BRONZE - Thalia MALLQUI PECHE (PER) df. Jacqueline MOLLOCANA ELENO (ECU), 3-1
BRONZE - Carolina CASTILLO HIDALGO (COL) df. Kamila BARBOSA VITO DA SILVA (BRA), 5-1

53 kg
GOLD - Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) df. Betzabeth ARGUELLO VILLEGAS (VEN), 10-0
BRONZE - Lianna MONTERO HERRERA (CUB) df. Justina BENITES VASQUEZ (PER), 11-0
BRONZE - Jade PARSONS (CAN) df. Luisa VALVERDE MELENDRES (ECU), 6-3

57 kg
GOLD - Lissette ANTES CASTILLO (ECU) df. Jenna BURKERT (USA), 2-1
BRONZE - Nes RODRIGUEZ TIRADO (PUR) df. Alejandra ROMERO BONILLA (MEX), 4-3
BRONZE - Giullia RODRIGUES PENALBER DE OLIVEIRA (BRA) df. Paula RAMIREZ (NCA), fall 1:27

Development

Wrestling completes tree-planting initiative in Casablanca

Monday, June 30, 2025 - 11:52 By United World Wrestling Press

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CASABLANCA, Morocco (June 30) --- A tree-planting initiative was organized in Casablanca in partnership with local authorities. This initiative aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the environmental emergency and the role of sport in combating climate change.

“Planting a tree is sowing a promise. Today, we plant for tomorrow, just as we train today for tomorrow’s medals,” said Assad Ouassama a young Moroccan wrestler participating in the camp, with emotion.

An educational session on environmental protection in sport also took place on April 25, continuing eco-responsible momentum.

A Fraternal Atmosphere and a Family Spirit

Beyond the technical and educational aspects, this camp provided many athletes with the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their fellow African counterparts.

“I leave not only stronger, but with lifelong friends. Camps like this strengthen our continental identity and spirit of unity,” emphasized Rahman Sesay ABDUL, a Sierra Leonean coach attending the training camp.

The warm atmosphere and high-quality exchanges confirmed the value of this holistic approach to sports training.

Toward a New Model of Sports Organization in Africa

By combining sporting excellence with educational values and social engagement, United World Wrestling is promoting an innovative model for competitions across the African continent.

“Casablanca 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a turning point. By integrating these educational dimensions, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for wrestling in Africa,” concluded Fouad Meskout, President of UWW Africa.

A Lasting Legacy for Casablanca and Africa

As the African Championships opened in an atmosphere of commitment and unity, the training camp organized by UWW stood out as a model to follow. It demonstrated that athletic performance can -- and should -- be paired with social and environmental consciousness.