Introduction
The 2024 US Olympic Wrestling Trials were held in State College, Pennsylvania April 19-20. This was the biggest event of the year to see the best wrestlers in the country. This was the final step in selecting the US Olympic Wrestling Team for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Wrestlers would compete in all weight classes to see who would earn a spot in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Key Highlights of the Trials
The brackets were divided by weight class with men and women competing in freestyle. These trials are intense where every match can make or break an athlete’s career. The 2024 trials did not disappoint with many great performances and upsets.
Top Contenders in Men’s
Jordan Burroughs (74 kg)
The biggest storyline of the trials was the performance of Jordan Burroughs, one of the most decorated American wrestlers of all time. Competing in the 74 kg weight class, Burroughs, a 4-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, was the favorite but the competition was tough. In the semifinal he faced the young player Mitchell Mesenbrink. It is a match that would test his experience and grit. Burroughs showed his explosiveness and tactical genius to win and move on to the finals against Jason Nolf, a tough opponent and former NCAA champion.
In the finals the stakes were high as Burroughs was looking to make what could be his last Olympic team. The match was back and forth with both wrestlers giving it their all. Burroughs’ experience won out and he secured his spot to Paris, another chapter in his hall of fame career. His qualification means he’s still got it and sets up what could be a big run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Zain Retherford (65 kg)
Zain Retherford was another standout at the trials competing in the 65 kg weight class. Retherford is known for his non-stop pace and punishing style. He came into the trials with a strong resume, multiple NCAA titles and international experience. The 65 kg bracket was deep but Retherford navigated it perfectly.
In the semifinal, he faced Jesse Mendez, a rising star. Retherford’s tactical wizardry and conditioning allowed him to control the match and move on to the finals against Nick Lee, another tough competitor. The finals was Retherford’s domain as he methodically outwrestled Lee to make the US team. His win proves he’s one of the best in his weight class and now he’ll focus on the world stage in Paris where he’ll try to continue his rise in the sport.
Aaron Brooks (86 kg)
Aaron Brooks’ run through the 86 kg weight class was another great story at the trials. He’s known for his power and technical ability and faced tough competition in the semis against Alex Dieringer, a veteran. Brooks’ ability to adapt and overcome Dieringer’s experience was on full display as he won a hard fought match and move on to the finals against Zahid Valencia, a familiar opponent and one of the best in the weight class.
The finals between Brooks and Valencia was a rematch of previous matches and was intense and exciting. Brooks was calm and strategic and outwrestled Valencia in a close match and secured his spot to Paris. His win solidifies him as a top contender and sets up what should be a big Olympic run.
Top Contenders in Women’s
In the women’s division, the trials were not only a chance for established champions but also for rising stars. One of the standout performers was Kennedy Blades in the 76 kg weight class. Blades, who is a young and dynamic wrestler, showed her potential by decisively beating Yelena Makoyed in the finals. Her win was not just a big personal achievement; it also served as a statement of the depth of talent in women’s wrestling in the US. Furthermore, Blades’ performance at the trials puts her in a strong position to be a top contender for the Paris Olympics, where she’ll aim to make a bigger impact on the world stage.
Audrey Jimenez was another rising star in the 50 kg weight class. Jimenez’s run through the trials was all about her technical ability and mental toughness. In the finals she faced Sage Mortimer, another talented wrestler. Jimenez’s ability to control the match and execute her plan under pressure won her the match and a spot on the US Olympic team. Her performance at the trials has her on the radar for Paris where she’ll try to make an impact.
Conclusion
The 2024 Olympic Trials showed the depth of wrestling in the US. The athletes who made the Olympic team now carry the weight of the nation to Paris. For those who didn’t make it the trials was a valuable experience that will help them down the road. The road to Paris continues as the winners go for Olympic gold.
