I'll be interested in hearing from those who were actually there on what they saw. Three interesting looking teams, some old hats, and some new faces.
It's great, for me, to see that five of the seven guys on the freestyle team have Iowa ties. Zadick, Schwab and Mocco all wrestled and train at Iowa currently. Askren was born in Cedar Rapids and Cejudo trains with Terry Brands. The last two are a couple of steps removed from Iowa but still tied. Congrats to all!
I'm most interested in seeing how, y'know, America is going to do.
Not to get all Billy Tickets on you guys, but I'm working on about 45 minutes of sleep and sitting in the Phoenix airport, so I just posted a bunch of observations on Chicks Heart Fights, and a bunch of links on Fourth Place Medal.
Even with so little sleep, great blog, Blue! Just posted the link to my Yahoo groups. Thanks for sharing your initial thoughts from Vegas. Looking forward to seeing what you have to say, once you're back home and had a more normal night's sleep.
Ditto to Ideamark. That blog was on the money recapping Vegas this weekend. I would only add that meeting these guys and talking to them simply reaffirmed what I have always thought of this sport. The level of class these competitors showed in the face of losing your lifelong goal (ie; damian Hahn) was nothing short of impressive.
Thanks, guys. I plan on having more up later today. I do absolutely agree with you, C. The way the guys handle winning and losing is better than in any other sport.
I just read that Mocco had been runner-up for the last five years. I was sad to Rowlands lose becasue I like his style, but I have to admre Mocco for sticking with it and coming through big in an Olympic year.
I was out there for the 3 day tournament. I must say I really enjoyed watching, I found something interesting in each of the three styles. There are definitely some new faces on these teams, but there is no lack of passion for what they are heading to China to accomplish.
To watch Byers win his finals match was very emotional from the throw that sealed the deal to his celebration after wards. He is a a classy guy and has worked hard to get to the top of that medal stand.
Listening to the athlete interviews and was great too. Everyone seemed to be thanking their families, coaches, training partners and at times even their competition.
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Champions are made while no one is watching.
2008 United States Olympic Wrestling Teams 
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