The U23 Women’s Freestyle World Team is almost set, with eight of the 10 members ready to compete at the U23 World Championships in Tirana, Albania. The remaining two spots will be determined through special wrestle-offs.
The selection process for the U23 team is a rigorous one and can be read about here. The determined U23 spots are as follows: Audrey Jimenez (Sage Mortimer) at 50 kg, Elena Ivaldi (Jaslynn Gallegos) at 53 kg, Amani Jones (Montana DeLawder) at 55 kg, Sofia Macaluso (Carissa Qureshi) at 57 kg, Skye Realin (Yele Aycock) at 59 kg, Macey Kilty (Adaugo Nwachukwu) at 62 kg, Brooklyn Hayes (Nina Makem) at 68 kg, and Yelena Makoyed (Kylie Welker) at 76 kg.
However, there are still two spots left to be filled – one at 65 kg and one at 72 kg. These spots will be decided through a series of wrestle-offs that will take place on Thursday, June 27th in Colorado Springs during the Olympic Team Camp.
In the morning session of the event schedule, there will be a preliminary match for the weight class of 65 kg. Meanwhile, in the evening session, there will be best of three series matches for both weight classes – including those for both 65 kg and 72 kg. If necessary, additional bouts may be held for both weight classes to determine the final participants on the U23 team.
Overall, making it onto the U23 team is not an easy feat – it requires dedication and hard work from each athlete involved in the selection process.
