#WrestleOttawa

Update on the Pan-American Olympic Qualification Tournament

Friday, March 13, 2020 - 15:48 By United World Wrestling Press

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OTTAWA, Canada (March 13) – United World Wrestling, in cooperation with the Canadian government, health authorities, and Wrestling Canada Lutte have taken additional preventative measures to minimize the risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus at this weekend’s Pan Am Olympic Qualification tournament. 

As a precaution, the Pan Am Olympic Qualifiers will now be closed to spectators and will only include team members, essential staff and limited family. The tournament is a continuation of last weekend’s Pan Am Championships, which were successfully held without incident.

These decisions have been made in the best interest of fans, athletes, coaches, officials and staff. United World Wrestling and Wrestle Canada will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as they are necessary to protect our athletes. 

Ticket refunds will issued by Wrestle Canada in the coming days.

Obituary

U.S. Greco-Roman star Alan Vera passes away

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 07:21 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 24) -- United States Greco-Roman wrestler and Pan-Am champion Alan VERA (USA) passed away Monday. Vera suffered a sudden cardiac arrest earlier this year and had been hospitalized since then in recovery from his serious health challenges.

Vera was born in Cuba and won a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and a gold medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships, while competing for Cuba. He immigrated to the United States and lived in Florida for a number of years. He continued to train and compete in Greco-Roman and various international events for a few years.

Vera qualified the U.S. for the Paris Olympics in 97kg at the 2024 Pan-American Olympic Qualification Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico.

Very saddened to hear about Alan Vera’s passing. In my limited time around him he was always willing to help on the mat, and offer a laugh at a terrible joke I made

— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) September 24, 2024
 

Domestically, Vera claimed his first U.S. national title in 2020, and won four national titles during his career.

Vera was married to Elena PIROZKHOVA (USA), a two-time Olympian and former world champion.

United World Wrestling mourns the death of Vera and stands with the Vera family.