Weekly FIVE! April 16, 2018
Monday, April 16, 2018 - 11:43 By Eric Olanowski
Reviewing the 2018 Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and the remaining dates that Burroughs and Chamizo could possibly wrestle.
1. Erasmus and Charig Make History
South Africa’s Martin ERASMUS (RSA) and Whales’ Kane CHARIG (WAL) made history for their countries at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Erasmus, the 22-year-old 2018 African champion used two massive four-point throws in the 97kg finals to nullify Mausam KHATRI’s (IND) inside trip attempts, taking the commanding 8-0 lead. Erasmus tacked on another takedown to seize South Africa's first Commonwealth Games wrestling gold medal since 1958.
Kane Charig’s 10-0 victory in the semifinals over Jean BANDOU (MRI) not only locked up his spot in the finals but also acquired his country’s highest Commonwealth Games finisher ever.
Before the 26-year-old won his 2018 silver medal, Wales’ highest finish came from Sarah CONNOLLY (WAH), Curtis DODGE (WAH), and Craig PILLING (WAH) who each finished with bronze medals.
2. Four Women Win Back-to-Back Titles
Six women came into the 2018 Commonwealth Games with hopes of repeating as champions, yet only four were able to do so.
Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR), Aminat ADENIYI (NGR), Vinesh VINESH (IND) and Erica WIEBE (CAN) all won back-to-back crowns this past weekend in Gold Coast, Australia.
Adekuoroye, the 2018 African champion sang and danced her way to the tune of a second consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and third overall as she routed Pooja DHANDA (IND), 7-5.
Adeniyi, the 24-year-old Olympian and three-time African champion reached the pinnacle of the 62kg weight category with an injury default victory over Canada’s 2017 world bronze medalist, Michelle FAZZARI (CAN).
Vinesh captured India’s lone women’s wrestling gold by thrashing 2012 world champion Jessica MACDONALD (CAN), 13-3.
The fourth wrestler to defend her Commonwealth Games title was 2016 Olympic Champion, Erica Wiebe. Wiebe, who was selected as Team Canada’s closing ceremony flag bearer picked up a fall over Blessing Joy ONYEBUCHI (NGR) in the opening period after trailing 2-0.
3. India Wins Four In Men’s Freestyle
Indian men seized an impressive four of a possible six gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Their 2018 performance was an improvement from their trio of gold medal achievements at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The four Indian’s who clutched gold medals were Rahul Balasaheb AWARE (IND), Bajrang BAJRANG (IND), Kumar SUSHIL (IND) and Sumit SUMIT (IND).
For Sushil, this was his third Commonwealth Games gold medal, but the first time winning gold for the three remaining wrestlers.
4. European Championships Rosters Set To Be Released Tuesday
The European Championships commence in less than two weeks in Dagestan, Russia. Though line-ups are not official, preliminary line-ups have been submitted to United World Wrestling and will begin to be released starting this Tuesday.
Greco-Roman line-ups will be released on Tuesday, followed by women’s wrestling on Wednesday and closed out with freestyle on Thursday.
5. Time Running Out for Burroughs v. Chamizo Super Match
The social media war between Olympic champion Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) and 2017 world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) continues as possible match-up dates run out with the continental championships on the horizon.
The two dates that make the most sense would be May 17, 2018, in New York, New York at Beat the Streets or July 30 - August 5 in Rome, Italy at the Junior European Championships. Either would work for Chamizo as he trains part-time at the NYAC but also lives in Italy.
Weekly FIVE! in Social Media
1. Big Move Monday!
#OnThisDay : Vladimir Khinchegashvili (GEO), known for his unorthodox counter style of wrestling, gave up a five-point back-arching throw to world bronze medalist Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS) late in the first period of their 61kg 2017 European championships bout.
2.#dagestan will host the next #wrestling #european#championships in two weeks!! Федерация борьбы @wrestrus_ru
3. “@wrestlersushilwouldn’t let me pick him up this time ?? #4yearslater #gc2018wrestling” @eweebz
4. 74kg BRONZE - Curtis DODGE (WAL) picks up the fall after being down 8-0 to Ebimienfaghe ASSIZECOURT (NGR).
5. Overcome with emotion after the final whistle, Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) barrel rolled from the center of the mat to the coach's corner where she had to be carried back to have her hand raised. #gc2018wrestling ?: @jackoadams94
Gold medalist at 79kg in 2024, Nan CAO (CHN) will be wrestling at 86kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov) 
Asan ZHANYSHOV (KGZ) is the defending champion at 87kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)
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