World Cup, USA Wrestling, Press Conference

2015 Freestyle World Cup Press Conference

By United World Wrestling Press

Press conference hosted by USA Wrestling prior to the Freestyle World Cup in Los Angeles, California. Participating in the press conference were: 

Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs (USA)
Olympic champion Jake Varner (USA)
USA Team Leader and World Cup host Andy Barth
USA coach Bruce Burnett
Iran coach Ali Reza Rezaie
Russia coach Christakis Alexandridis

Video by USA Wrestling

United World Wrestling Statement on Iranian Wrestlers

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 27) -- United World Wrestling recognizes that global conflicts and political tensions deeply impact sport, and wrestling in particular. While UWW’s ability to directly influence national or international affairs is limited, the organization remains firmly committed to supporting wrestlers and advocating for their protection wherever possible, including through sport diplomacy and engagement with the broader wrestling and Olympic community.

UWW has activated its contacts within the sports movement following the recent events in Iran. The organization has received reports from various sources, though their full accuracy is difficult to verify.

Reports suggest that some situations may have been resolved in the meantime, but wrestler Saleh Mohammadi remains at risk of a capital sentence in Iran. UWW calls for a fair, transparent, and impartial trial, conducted in full respect of fundamental rights, and reaffirms its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

United World Wrestling continues to closely monitor the situation while mourning all the victims affected by this tragedy.