World Grappling Championships, #Grappling

Three golds for U.S. in women's Grappling World Championships

By Vinay Siwach

WARSAW, Poland (August 23) -- The United States put on a dominant performance in the women's Grappling competition at the World Championships in Warsaw, entering six grapplers in six finals.

With three winning gold and three silver medals, the U.S. won the team title with 115 points while host nation Poland finished second as it won one gold and two silver medals for 75 points. Spain with its three bronze medals managed 51 points to finish third in the team race.

The session began with Faye CHERRIER (USA) upsetting European champion Pnina ARONOV (ISR), 4-2, in the 53kg gold medal bout. Aronov pulled Cherrier down but it was the American who controlled and scored the two points.

Aronov tried different submissions but Cherrier got out of the lock with ease. A point was awarded to Aronov as Cherrier stalled and a scramble led the two grapplers out of bounds. Resuming in neutral, Cherrier landed another takedown with control to lead 4-1 and was cautioned for one more point but that did not harm her chances to win 4-2.

Alexandria ENRIQUEZ (USA) continued the streak as she defeated returning bronze medalist Adrianna WOJARSKA (POL), 8-0, in the 58kg final. Opening the scoring with a stepout, Enriquez controlled a takedown behind the arms to add two more points. Never letting go of her grip, Enriquez scored exposure and controlled two blank Wokarska 8-0 in the final.

Meshy ROSENFELD (ISR) denied the U.S. three out of three gold medals as she defeated Sheliah LINDSEY (USA), 7-6, in a thrilling final at 64kg.

Rosenfeld began at the bottom and Lindsey scored two points early in the final. But the Israel grappler reversed and controlled for a brief second, enough to get two points. Lindsey instantly got control on top and led 4-2. Locking Lindsey's leg, Rosenfeld got on top and was awarded two points with 50 seconds left on the clock.

Lindsey scored two points by getting on top again to lead 6-4 with 35 seconds left in the match. Rosenfeld gave it a last shot, locking Lindsey's legs and rolling to get the top position. Lindsey lost balance and gave up two points which made Rosenfeld a 6-6 winner on criteria. The U.S. challenged the call but lost.

Former European medalist Magdalena LOSKA (POL) won by submission over Christina HANSEN (USA) to give the host country a gold medal at 71kg.

Tara WHITE (USA) won a bronze medal last year but upgraded to gold this year, beating Janina CZYCZYN (POL), 6-2, in the 90kg and ended the day on a high for the United States.

RESULTS

53kg
GOLD: Faye CHERRIER (USA) df. Pnina ARONOV (ISR), 4-2

BRONZE: Zhanna KASKINOVA (KAZ) df. Martyna IWAT (POL), 2-0
BRONZE: Carlota PRENDES (ESP) df. Maria RATCLIFF (PHI), 8-2

58kg
GOLD: Alexandria ENRIQUEZ (USA) df. Adrianna WOJARSKA (POL), 8-0

BRONZE: Janette GLOGER (GER) df. Botakoz YELDOSKYZY (KAZ), 7-2
BRONZE: Melissa BENEDINI (ITA) df. Tina BARANTAR (GRE), via submission (0-2)

64kg
GOLD: Meshy ROSENFELD (ISR) df. Sheliah LINDSEY (USA), 7-6

BRONZE: Janine MUTTON (CAN) df. Julija STOLIARENKO (LTU), via submission (2-0)
BRONZE: Anna CASTELLS (ESP) df. Snezhana MORAR (UKR), 0-0

71kg
GOLD: Magdalena LOSKA (POL) df. Christina HANSEN (USA), via submission (1-3)

BRONZE: Alycia QUENEE (FRA) df. Giulia RODIO (ITA), via submission (2-0)

90kg
GOLD: Tara WHITE (USA) df. Janina CZYCZYN (POL), 6-2

BRONZE: Claudia FORNES (ESP) df. Magdalena ZASZCZUDLOWICZ (POL), 11-1
BRONZE: Tammy GRIEGO (USA) df. Assel KABDYGALYMOVA (KAZ), via submission (6-0)

Development

Guatemala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

By United World Wrestling Press

PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.