Lima

Olympic Champion Borrero Leads Cuban Gold Rush at Pan Ams

By Taylor Miller

LIMA, Peru – All three Cuban finalists came away with gold in the first day of Greco-Roman competition at the 2018 Pan American Championships in Lima, Peru. The team was led by 2016 Olympic champion Ismael BORRERO MOLINA, who won the title at 67 kg.

Also a 2015 World champion, Borrero capped off a perfect day on Thursday, defeating Manuel Alejandro LOPEZ SALCERO (MEX) with an 8-0 shutout en route to his fourth overall Pan Am gold and first since 2014. It was Borrero’s fourth tech of the day as he outscored the field 40-0.

At 130 kg, Oscar PINO HINDS (CUB), a 2017 World bronze medalist, won his third-consecutive continental title with a 5-0 win over Robert Timothy David SMITH (USA). Pino opened the match with a big four-point throw to put himself in the lead early.

The other Cuban to walk away with gold was Luis Alberto ORTA SANCHEZ (CUB), who was awarded a win by injury default over Jancel Miguel PIMENTEL GONZALEZ (DOM) in the 60 kg finals.

The USA also had multiple champions on Thursday with Ryan MANGO (USA) and Ravaughn PERKINS (USA) winning at 63 kg and 72 kg, respectively.

Perkins snagged a decisive 4-0 decision against Wuileixis de Jesus RIVAS ESPINOZA (VEN), a 2014 Pan Am Championships gold medalist, 2015 Pan Am Games gold medalist and three-time Pan Am bronze winner.

63 kg champion Mango had his hand raised in victory by medical forfeit to complete a solid 4-0 day.

Other champions on the night included Sargis KHACHATRYAN (BRA) at 55 kg and Luillys Jose PEREZ MORA (VEN) at 97 kg.

FINALS MATCHUPS
55 kg
GOLD - Sargis KHACHATRYAN (BRA)
SILVER - Max Emiliano NOWRY (USA)
BRONZE - Brandon Jesus ESCOBAR AMADOR (HON)

60 kg
GOLD - Luis Alberto ORTA SANCHEZ (CUB) win by injury default Jancel Miguel PIMENTEL GONZALEZ (DOM)
BRONZE - Andres Roberto MONTANO ARROYO (ECU) df. Dicther Hans TORO CASTANEDA (COL), 12-1
BRONZE - Marat GARIPOV (BRA) df. Cristhian PARAVECINO NAVARRO (PER), 6-3

63 kg
GOLD - Ryan Robert MANGO (USA)
SILVER - Gerardo Francisco OLIVA MONTES (PER)
BRONZE - German Manuel DIAZ MALDONADO  (PUR)

67 kg
GOLD - Ismael BORRERO MOLINA (CUB) df. Manuel Alejandro LOPEZ SALCERO (MEX), 8-0
BRONZE - Joilson DE BRITO RAMOS JUNIOR (BRA) df. Luis Alfredo DE LEON (DOM), 9-6
BRONZE - Mario Bernardo MOLINA CORTEZ (PER) df. Jose Alejandro VARELA GARCIA (GUA), 6-0

72 kg
GOLD - Ravaughn PERKINS (USA)
SILVER - Wuileixis de Jesus RIVAS ESPINOZA (VEN)
BRONZE - Christopher PALACIOS ALEXANDER (PER)

97 kg
GOLD - Luillys Jose PEREZ MORA (VEN) df. Kevin MEJIA CASTILLO (HON), 2-0
BRONZE - Oscar LOANGO SOLIS (COL) df. Charles Zachary MERRILL (PUR), 2-0
BRONZE - Gabriel Alejandro ROSILLO KINDELAN (CUB) df. Lester Josue ENRIQUEZ CALDERON (GUA), 10-2

130 kg
GOLD - Oscar PINO HINDS (CUB) df. Robert Timothy David SMITH (USA), 5-0
BRONZE - Yasmani ACOSTA FERNANDEZ (CHI) df. Edgardo Juan LOPEZ MORELL (PUR), 8-0
BRONZE - Luis Alberto ROMAN BARRIOS (MEX) win by fall Jose Noel ERAZO HENRIQUEZ (ESA), 2:24

 

UWW's Event Organization Workshop heats up in Athens

By United World Wrestling Press

ATHENS, Greece (July 30) -- United World Wrestling held a new edition of its Event Organization Workshop in Athens, Greece, from July 24-29.

The activity was conducted by the UWW Sports Department and took place on the sidelines of the U17 World Championships, offering participants an immersive experience to learn directly within the context of a major international event.

A total of 25 participants from 16 countries attended the workshop -- with nearly 50 percent of the attendees being women -- representing national federations and upcoming event organizers.

The attendees took part in theoretical sessions and field-based learning covering critical areas such as accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics. They also had the chance to observe the live execution of the Championships, attend the Technical Conference, and tour key competition areas.

The Local Organizing Committee played an important role in supporting the delivery of the workshop, facilitating access to venues, providing logistical coordination, and sharing their experience in hosting a major international event. Their collaboration was key to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

To complement the technical content, the group also enjoyed a cultural visit to the Acropolis, one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. This excursion helped foster exchange and camaraderie among participants, while providing a connection to the host city’s rich heritage.

UWW
Attendees walk through accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics at the Event Organization Workshop in Athens. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The workshop was facilitated by members of the UWW team, who shared their expertise and provided hands-on guidance throughout the sessions. The collaborative format encouraged knowledge exchange and open dialogue, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the content and format of the workshop, noting its relevance and practicality. The mix of classroom instruction, real-event exposure, and networking opportunities made the experience both educational and inspiring.

This edition of the Event Organization Workshop reinforced UWW’s commitment to building local capacities and delivering high-standard wrestling events across the world. Athens 2025 once again proved the value of this initiative and the importance of continuing to invest in professional training for sport event delivery.

Ramil AHMADOV, UWW Senior Competition Manager, and Yuri MAIER, Sports & Development Officer, conducted the workshop. We were honored to have Theodoros HAMAKOS, Vice-President of UWW, award the certificates.