USA Wrestling

2012 Olympic Team Media Guide

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OLYMPIC GAMES STORY IDEAS 1. Jordan rules - Jordan Burroughs (pictured) took the freestyle world by storm last year, going on an impressive run to win the World title. He has rattled off 34 straight wins, and is favored to win an Olympic gold medal in freestyle. 2. Big Bam back for more - Dremiel Byers is one of the best U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers of all- time, winning World gold, silver and bronze medals. He returns for his second Olympics and is determined to win a medal after placing sev- enth in Beijing, China, in 2008. 3. Chun seeks redemption - Clarissa Chun near- ly made the 2008 Olympic finals, dropping a heartbreaker in the semifinals. She came back to win a World title in 2008. She became the first two-time U.S. Olympian in women's freestyle. 4. Justin's time - Justin "Harry" Lester remains one of the most talented and dangerous wrestlers on the planet. The two-time World bronze medalist is ready for a breakthrough at his first Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling. 5. Russian-born Pirozhkova looks for gold - Elena Pirozhkova made a big splash in 2010 by winning a World silver medal. She's ready to challenge two-time Olympic champion Kaori Icho of Japan for gold. She was born in Russia and moved to the U.S. when she was three years old. 6. Herbert loves the big stage - Jake Herbert has always been a wrestler who performs his best when the bright lights are on, and now he has a chance to reach the pinnacle in his sport. Herbert won a World silver medal in 2009. 7. Mango hitting his peak - Two-time Olympian Spenser Mango has made five straight World- level teams, but is still looking for his first medal. Mango is wrestling well and looks poised to make a run at some hardware in London. 8. Big man Dlagnev has big goals - Tervel Dlagnev knocked off two-time Olympic champ Artur Taymazov at last year's World Championships and is a legitimate gold-medal threat in London. Dlagnev placed third in the World in 2009 and fifth in 2011. 9. Campbell seeking medal - Kelsey Campbell has gained experience competing at the World Championships, placing fifth in 2010. She has made her first Olympic Team and is primed to win her first World-level medal. 10. Flying Squirrel set to make splash - Ellis Coleman gained national acclaim for his "Flying Squirrel" move at last year's Junior World Championships. He is ready to show he is more than a one-move wonder when he hits the Olympic stage in Greco-Roman wrestling. 11. Varner ready to contend - Jake Varner turned in an impressive performance in winning a World bronze medal in 2011. He hopes his pro- gression continues in London. 12. Explosive Frayer hitting peak - Jared Frayer has been a training partner on Olympic and World Teams. Now he's No. 1 at his weight class. He is a dangerous wrestler who can put points on the board. 13. Betts set for battle - Chas Betts has made big strides since making the U.S. World Team in 2009. He is a tough, hard-nosed wrestler who is difficult to match up with. 14. Super Sam - The U.S. has a great tradition of strong finishes at Sam Hazewinkel's weight class of 55 kg. Henry Cejudo won Olympic gold in 2008, but lost in the semifinals of the 2012 Olympic Trials. Hazewinkel switched from Greco- Roman to freestyle in 2010. 15. Provisor on the fast track - Ben Provisor is just 22 years old, but the past Junior World Team member owns a win over Olympic champion Manuchar Kvirkelia of Georgia this year. 16. Great Scott - Coleman Scott won the Olympic Trials before beating past World Team members Reece Humphrey and Shawn Bunch in an Olympic Wrestle-Off. Scott defeated World bronze medalist Kenichi Yumoto of Japan this season. 17. Ali's time to shine - Ali Bernard reached the bronze-medal match of the 2008 Olympics before placing fifth. She won a World bronze medal in 2011. 2012 USA Wrestling Media Guide - 25

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