#WrestleGuatemala

#WrestleGuatemala Weight-to-Watch: 74kg

Thursday, May 20, 2021 - 00:55 By Eric Olanowski

Share this article

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (May 18) – Two-time world champion Kyle DAKE (USA) and three-time Olympian Franklin GOMEZ (PUR) headline the seven-man 74kg bracket at next week’s Pan-American Championships (May 27-30). 

Last month, Dake defeated Olympic champion Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) two matches to none in the finals of the United States Olympic Trials and solidified himself as The Stars and Stripes’ representative for the Pan-American Championships and the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

Dake, who won back-to-back world titles at 79kg, will be competing at the continental championships for the first time in his career and is on a mission to keep his 40-month win streak alive. ‘Kid Dynamite’ will be lacing up his boots at 74kg for a third consecutive international competition beginning his run to August’s Tokyo Games.

In his previous two showings, Dake went undefeated and claimed golds at the ’21 Henri Deglane and the ’20 Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event. 

Undoubtedly, Dake’s toughest competition will be Puerto Rico’s ’11 world finalist Franklin Gomez. The four-time Pan-Am medalist and returning silver-medal winner is on a quest to reach the top of the continental podium for the first time in over a decade. Despite winning medals in three of his last four continental appearances, the Puerto Rican has fallen short of winning gold since his first continental appearance back in ’11. 

The Pan-American Championships will be Gomez’s second competition back since the COVID layoff. He competed in Rome’s Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event earlier this year where he won a pair of matches – including a 6-4 win over Rio Olympic bronze medalist Yakup GOR (TUR) – but fell to two-time world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) and ’19 world silver medalist Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ) and settled for fifth place. 

Wrestling at the Pan-American Championships kicks off on May 27 and can be followed live on www.uww.org.  

74kg Pan-American Entries 
Renato Patricio DA SILVA (BRA) 
Jasmit Singh PHULKA (CAN) 
Hossman Eduardo CARVAJAL ROJAS (COL) 
Malhcon Alizon PINEDA CUNIL  (GUA) 
Victor Eduardo HERNANDEZ LUNA (MEX) 
Franklin GOMEZ MATOS (PUR) 
Kyle DAKE (USA) 

Development

More than Medals Asia 2024 wraps up in Jordan

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 17:21 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

DEAD SEA, Jordan (July 31, 2024) - The "More than Medals Asia 2024" training camp, organized by United World Wrestling in cooperation with the Jordan Wrestling Federation, was held from June 26 to July 3, 2024, at the Grand East Hotel on the Dead Sea, Jordan. This camp aimed to provide a platform for wrestlers and coaches from various countries to come together, exchange experiences, and enhance their skills in the sport of wrestling.

Participation
A total of 35 wrestlers and coaches from six countries actively participated in the training camp. The diverse representation added to the cultural exchange and enriched the learning experience for all participants.

Training Sessions
The training sessions were expertly led by UWW Educator and two-time Olympian Hassan Madany from Egypt. His vast experience and expertise provided invaluable insights and guidance to the young athletes. Through a combination of practical drills and theoretical lessons, participants were able to enhance their skills, techniques, and understanding of wrestling, making significant progress in their development.

Antidoping Seminar
As part of the camp, an antidoping seminar was conducted by officials from the Jordan National Anti-Doping Agency (JOR NADA). The seminar aimed to raise awareness about antidoping regulations and promote clean and fair competition among the athletes. Participants gained valuable insights into the importance of maintaining integrity in sports.

Lecture on Wrestler Nutrition
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tamimi from the University of Baghdad's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences delivered a comprehensive lecture on wrestler nutrition during and after competition. Dr. Al-Tamimi, who also led the Iraqi team at the camp, shared his extensive knowledge on dietary strategies to optimize performance and recovery. The lecture provided participants with practical advice and scientific insights, equipping them with the necessary tools to manage their nutrition effectively throughout their wrestling careers.

Coach Course
Hassan Madany also conducted a comprehensive coach course, offering theoretical material from UWW coach courses. The session included discussions on training methods, athlete safety, and the quality of coaching. Coaches had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange best practices, and explore strategies to enhance their coaching skills and better support their athletes' development.

Sightseeing Tou
Participants enjoyed a sightseeing tour to the famous Mount Nebo, the memorial of Moses. They explored the historical site and appreciated its significance. The tour included a lunch at a restaurant with a stunning view of Mount Nebo, offering a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and relaxation. Additionally, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the local history and traditions, enhancing their overall experience of Jordan's rich heritage.

Conclusion
The 2024 More than Medals Asia training camp in Jordan was a resounding success, providing invaluable experiences and learning opportunities for all participants. Participants expressed their happiness and satisfaction with the camp, noting the positive impact it had on their development and team spirit. This camp not only focused on athletic development but also on cultural exchange and personal growth.

We extend our gratitude to the Jordan Wrestling Federation for their support and cooperation in organizing this event. The success of this training camp highlights the importance of such initiatives in promoting the development of wrestling in Asia. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support and nurture young wrestling talents in the region.