Overview
The best wrestlers in the nation will compete at the 2024 American Olympic Wrestling Trials in State College, Pennsylvania, from April 19–20. The winner will have a chance to compete in the Olympics in Paris, in 2024. The competition, which will include wrestlers competing in weight classes such as 62 kg, 87 kg, and 97 kg, will be a significant step in selecting the Olympic Team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. It will serve as a demonstration of the depth and skill of the wrestling program.
Olympic Team Trials Brackets
The Olympic team trials are a significant competition because it provides a level playing field for all competitors, giving them an equal chance to demonstrate their skills. And that’s why the Olympic team trials often produce a large number of up-and-coming athletes.
Wrestling brackets are typically determined by the weight class of the competitors. For men, the typical range is 57 to 125 kg, while for women, it is 50 to 76 kg. Together, let’s examine the American Olympic wrestling trials brackets.
Men’s Freestyle Preseeds
65 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Nick Lee VS. Andrew Alirez
- Yianni Diakomihalis VS. Jesse Mendez
- Zain Retherford VS. Jesse Mendez
In the semifinals, Jesse Mendez first competed against Yianni Diakomihalis, with the winner advancing to face Zain Retherford, who had already secured his spot in the semifinals. Additionally, Nick Lee faced Andrew Alirez to determine who would advance to the finals.
Final:
- Nick Lee VS. Zain Retherford
After the selection of the semifinal, Nick Lee met with Zain Retherford. Experiencing thrilling competition, in the end, Zain Retherford earned his qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
74 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Jordan Burroughs VS. Mitchell Mesenbrink
- Jarrett Jacques VS. Jason Nolf
Final:
- Jason Nolf VS. Jordan Burroughs
In the 74 kg weight class, Jordan Burroughs, Mitchell Mesenbrink, Jarrett Jacques, and Jason Nolf joined the semifinals. Jason Nolf and Mitchell Mesenbrink emerged from this to compete in the final, which Jason Nolf won to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
86 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Aaron Brooks VS. Alex Dieringer
- Trent Hidlay VS. Chance Marsteller
- Zahid Valenica VS. Chance Marsteller
Final:
- Aaron Brooks VS. Zahid Valenica
Aaron Brooks and Alex Dieringer faced off in the semifinals, and Chance Marsteller played Trent Hidlay before going on to split with Zahid Valenica, who had gone straight to the semifinals before. Aaron Brooks and Zahid Valenica met in the final and Aaron Brooks qualified for the Olympics.
97 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- J’den Cox VS. Kollin Moore
- Jonathan Aiello VS. Isaac Trumble
Final:
- Isaac Trumble VS. Kollin Moore
J’den Cox, Kollin Moore, Jonathan Aiello and Isaac Trumble entered the semifinal in 97 kilograms. Isaac Trumble competed with Kollin Moore in the final, and Isaac Trumble has the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
125 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Hayden Zillmer VS. Dominique Bradley
- Daniel Gre Kerkyliet VS. Nick Gwiazdowski
Final:
- Hayden Zillmer VS. Nick Gwiazdowski
In the 125 kg class, Hayden Zillmer, Dominique Bradley, Daniel Gre Kerkyliet, and Nick Gwiazdowski qualified for the semifinals. Hayden Zillmer and Nick Gwiazdowski won the semifinals. They competed with each other in the final, and Hayden Zillmer qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Women’s Freestyle Preseeds
50 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Audrey Jimenez VS. Emilie Gonzalez
- Samara Chavez VS. Sage Mortimer
Final:
- Audrey Jimenez VS. Sage Mortimer
Audrey Jimenez versus Emilie Gonzalez and Samara Chavez versus Sage Mortimer. In the end, Audrey Jimenez and Sage Mortimer enter the finals and Audrey Jimenez acquires the spot of the American team to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
53 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Vayle-Rae Baker VS. Areana Villaescusa
- Haley Augello VS. Katie Gomez
Final:
- Areana Villaescusa VS. Haley Augello
In the final of the 53 kg weight class, Haley Augello finally clinched the title and got the qualification for Paris.
57 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Xochitl Mota-Pettis VS. Alexandra Hedrick
- Cristelle Rodriguez VS. Abigail Nette
- Jacarra Winchester VS. Abigail Nette
Final:
- Alexandra Hedrick VS. Jacarra Winchester
In the 57 weight class, Jacarra Winchester directly qualified for the seminals and she had to battle with Abigail Nette who defeated Cristelle Rodriguez. In the final, she met Alexandra Hedrick and she clinched her title finally.
62 Kilograms
Semifinals:
- Jen Page VS. Mallory Velte
- Macey Kilty VS. Adaugo Nwachukwu
Final:
- Jen Page VS. Macey Kilty
In the 62 kg weight class, Jen Page and Macey Kilty compete with each other, and in the end, Macey Kilty acquires the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
68 Kilograms
semifinals:
- Forrest Molinari VS. Aine Drury
- Reese Larramendy VS. Alexandria Glaude
finals:
- Forrest Molinari VS. Alexandria Glaude
Forrest Molinari qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
76 Kilograms
semifinals:
- Kennedy Blades VS. Dymond Guilford
- Yelena Makoyed VS. Kylie Welker
finals:
- Kennedy Blades VS. Yelena Makoyed
- Kennedy Blades earned a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Conclusion
These semifinals and finals are unexpected and thrilling. Regardless, it has always been a thing of the past. For those who didn’t qualify for the Olympics, don’t be discouraged, you’re just as good. Those who made it to the Olympics should adjust their mindset and give their best performance in the Olympics.
