#WrestleSantiago

WATCH LIVE: 2023 Pan-American Games, Day Two

Thursday, November 2, 2023 - 13:03 By Eric Olanowski

Share this article

SANTIAGO, Chile (November 2) --- The second day of wrestling at the Pan-American Games is underway. Freestyle and women’s wrestling will share the stage today, with the competition beginning for freestyle at 65kg 86kg and women’s wrestling at 50kg and 57kg.

In freestyle, reigning champion Alejandro VALDES TOBIER (CUB) will try to defend his title from the 2019 Lima Pan-American Games. Valdes Tobier sits on the opposite side of the 65kg bracket with America’s Nahshon GARRETT, and has a bye in his opening round match.

In the quarterfinals, he’ll meet Joseph SILVA (PUR), who also has an opening round bye. The winner of that match will meet either Albaro RUDECINDO (DOM) or Uber CUERO (COL).

In women’s wrestling, the biggest storyline to follow in this morning session will be the opening round match at 57kg between Hannah TAYLOR (CAN), a U23 world bronze medalists, and Tokyo Olympian Luisa VALVERDE (ECU). This is a match that most thought would be the gold-medal bout, but with random draws, fans get to see it in the first round.

- Watch Thursday’s action: Freestyle 65kg and 86kg // Women’s Wrestling 50kg and 57kg
- 2023 Pan-American Games brackets
- Upcoming bout order

Development

Guatemala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 14:47 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.