2024 U20 Worlds - September 2-8

[zzs006]

Here is my yearly U20 preview. I’ll try and post a few weights per week

57kg-

USA rep-Luke Lilledahl
PSU commit, #1 overall recruit
2021-Cadet worlds-2nd, 2022-U17 worlds-1st
2023-U20 worlds-2nd, U20 pan-ams-1st
2024-U20 pan-ams-1st

Contenders-

Lev Pavlov-AIN (Russia)
2023 U20 worlds-9th (lost to Lilledahl 1st round)
2024-U20 Euro’s-1st
2024-Russian nationals-2nd
Ranked #10 in FLO’s senior freestyle rankings

Vasif Baghirov-AZE
2022-U17 Euro’s-1st, 2022-U17 worlds-1st (beat Christian Castillo in finals)
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Ankush Ankush-IND
2023-U17 Asians-1st
2023-U17 worlds-2nd ( lost to Blaze in finals)

Milad Valizadeh-IRI
2023-4th ranking series event-9th (lost to Zane Richards 17-6)
2023-Senior worlds-8th (beat #8 in seniors Rzazade 8-4)

Herbert Akapian-AIN
2021-Cadet world team
2023-U20 worlds-10th
2024-U23 Euros-5th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

Hayko Gasparyan-ARM
2022-U17 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Baiaman Kerimbekov-KGY
2022-U17 worlds-5th

Shotaro Matsumura-JPN
2023 beat Mitchell Neiner of WA 4-2 in a cultural exchange dual. That is all the info I could find

There is one huge question mark at this weight and it is the Japanese wrestler Yuto Nishiuchi. Nishiuchi won this weight last year beating Lilledahl in the finals. He still has U20 eligibility but has been competing up at 61kg where he won U20 Asians earlier this year. As of now he is not listed as competing at either 57kg or 61kg. No idea why because the 2 guys listed at those weights don’t have a ton of credentials. I’m interested to see if he does get entered as the tournament gets closer. If so, he is probably the favorite at either weight.

I think Lilledahl wins this weight. Will be challenged by Pavlov, Baghirov, Ankush, and Valizadeh. Valizadeh doesn’t have many results I can find but he did represent Iran at 57kg at senior worlds this year where he beat Olympian and world ranked #8 Razazade. He will absolutely be a contender. Lilledahl handled Pavlov at this tournament last year but he is super tough and wrestles a funky style. He just won U20 Euros so he is competing at a high level and holds wins over quite a few of the other top guys at this weight. Also took 2nd at Russian nationals this year. Ankush and Baghirov both have great results at the U17 level but are coming up to U20. I think both should be in medal contention.

Prediction-
Gold-Lilledahl
Silver-Pavlov
Bronze-Valizadeh
Bronze-Ankush

 

[BrockBronson]

This is great info. Well done

 

[BrockBronson]

Lightning is a different level

 

[zzs006]

61kg

US rep-Marcus Blaze
#1 p4p high schooler in the country
Made the senior US national team with his 3rd place finish at the Olympic trials where he beat both Lilledahl and Forrest
2023-U17 world champion

Contenders-

Andrei Midlovets-AIN (Russia)
2024-U20 Euros-1st
No other info that I could find anywhere

Edik Harutyunyan-ARM
2019-cadet worlds-8th
2023-U23 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-3rd

Jamal Abbasov-AZE
2022-U17 worlds-12th
2023-U17 Euros-1st
2023-U17 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Abdinur Nurlanbek-KAZ
2021-cadet worlds-2nd
2023-U20 Asians-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-9th
2024-U20 Asians-3rd (lost to Nishiuchi 6-2)

Tolga Ozbek-TUR
2019-cadet Euros-3rd
2019-cadet worlds-3rd
2022-U20 worlds-7th
2023-U23 Euros-2nd
2023-U30 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-13th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Masanosuke Ono-JPN
Japan national collegiate champion at 61kg
2023-2nd at the Emperor’s Cup (lost to Kiyooka in finals)
2024-Senior Asians-3rd (beat Rohit Rohit 5-3, lost to Tumur Ochir 4-0)

Askat Toktomatov-KRZ
2022-U17 Asians-3rd
2024-U20 Asians-2nd (lost to Nishiuchi 10-0)

Ebrahim Mahdi Khari-IRI
2023-U20 Asians-2nd
2024-senior Asians-5th

Pretty deep weight with relative unknowns from wrestling powers Russia, Iran, and Japan. Seems like Russia always has guys who don’t have a ton of results come to both U17’s and U20’s and they are always extremely talented. I couldn’t find anything on Midlovets but winning U20 Euros is a great result and should put him in contention. Khari also with barely any results but competed on the senior level for Asians which is a tournament that Iran takes very seriously. Ono is the one I’m most interested about. Not many results but the ones he has are pretty impressive. 2nd at the emperors cup is a big deal especially when his only loss was to the newly crowned Olympic champion Kiyooka. Nishiuchi wrestled at U20 Asians while Ono wrestled at senior Asians. His only loss was a close bout to Tumur Ochir who we all know is world class. Nishiuchi has more results but I wonder if Ono beat him out to make this team. Abbasov, Harutyunyan, Ozbek, and Nurlanbek are all dangerous and have good recent results. They should all be in medal contention.

Prediction-

Gold-Blaze
Silver-Ono
Bronze-Nurlanbek
Bronze-Midlovets

 

[El-Jefe]

61kg

US rep-Marcus Blaze
#1 p4p high schooler in the country
Made the senior US national team with his 3rd place finish at the Olympic trials where he beat both Lilledahl and Forrest
2023-U17 world champion

Contenders-

Andrei Midlovets-AIN (Russia)
2024-U20 Euros-1st
No other info that I could find anywhere

Edik Harutyunyan-ARM
2019-cadet worlds-8th
2023-U23 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-3rd

Jamal Abbasov-AZE
2022-U17 worlds-12th
2023-U17 Euros-1st
2023-U17 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Abdinur Nurlanbek-KAZ
2021-cadet worlds-2nd
2023-U20 Asians-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-9th
2024-U20 Asians-3rd (lost to Nishiuchi 6-2)

Tolga Ozbek-TUR
2019-cadet Euros-3rd
2019-cadet worlds-3rd
2022-U20 worlds-7th
2023-U23 Euros-2nd
2023-U30 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-13th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Masanosuke Ono-JPN
Japan national collegiate champion at 61kg
2023-2nd at the Emporer’s Cup (lost to Kiyooka in finals)
2024-Senior Asians-3rd (beat Rohit Rohit 5-3, lost to Tumur Ochir 4-0)

Askat Toktomatov-KRZ
2022-U17 Asians-3rd
2024-U20 Asians-2nd (lost to Nishiuchi 10-0)

Ebrahim Mahdi Khari-IRI
2023-U20 Asians-2nd
2024-senior Asians-5th

Pretty deep weight with relative unknowns from wrestling powers Russia, Iran, and Japan. Seems like Russia always has guys who don’t have a ton of results come to both U17’s and U20’s and they are always extremely talented. I couldn’t find anything on Midlovets but winning U20 Euros is a great result and should put him in contention. Khari also with barely any results but competed on the senior level for Asians which is a tournament that Iran takes very seriously. Ono is the one I’m most interested about. Not many results but the ones he has are pretty impressive. 2nd at the emporers cup is a big deal especially when his only loss was to the newly crowned Olympic champion Kiyooka. Nishiuchi wrestled at U20 Asians while Ono wrestled at senior Asians. His only loss was a close bout to Tumur Ochir who we all know is world class. Nishiuchi has more results but I wonder if Ono beat him out to make this team. Abbasov, Harutyunyan, Ozbek, and Nurlanbek are all dangerous and have good recent results. They should all be in medal contention.

Prediction-

Gold-Blaze
Silver-Ono
Bronze-Nurlanbek
Bronze-Midlovets

Andrei Midlovets competed at 2024 Yarygin under his Cyrillic alias, "Andrey Midlovec" and made the quarters.

Flo (Kozak) has him 6th at 61 kg in his Russia senior rankings. The Fight Site (Paterra) has him 7th.

He didn't just won Euros -- he beat his 4 opponents by a combined 38-3. So he's probably gonna be a handful at U20s.

 

[zzs006]

Andrei Midlovets competed at 2024 Yarygin under his Cyrillic alias, "Andrey Midlovec" and made the quarters.

Flo (Kozak) has him 6th at 61 kg in his Russia senior rankings. The Fight Site (Paterra) has him 7th.

He didn't just won Euros -- he beat his 4 opponents by a combined 38-3. So he's probably gonna be a handful at U20s.

Absolutely one to watch out for. At the yarygin he did only win one match though before getting teched by Bashir Magomedov who then lost next round as well.

 

[zzs006]

65kg-

US rep-Bo Bassett
#2 overall recruit in class of 2026
2021-cadet world champion
2024-U20 pan-am champion

Contenders-

Adam Arkhiev-AIN (Russia)
2021-cadet Euros-1st
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Abdullah Toprak-TUR
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2022-U17 Euros-1st, U20 Euros-5th, U17 worlds-7th, U20 worlds-14th
2023-U23 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-3rd (lost to Mendez 3-1), U23 worlds-3rd
2024-Zagreb Open-5th, U23 Euros-3rd, U20 Euros-1st

Khizir Dasiyev-FRA
2021-cadet worlds-15th
2022-U17 worlds-13th
2023-U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

Zurab Abalaki-GEO
2023-U17 Euros-5th, U17 worlds-11th
2024-U20 Euros-8th

Nikhil Yadav Pilanaguila-IND
2022-U17 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Asians-5th

Ali Mahmoud Khorramdel-IRI
2021-cadet worlds-1st
2023-U20 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Asians-1st

Alessandro Dante Nini-ITA
2022-U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Shattyk Alaider-KAZ
2021-cadet worlds-15th
2023-U20 Asians-5th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Ion Berghi-MLD
2023-U20 worlds-7th

Overall, this is not a very great or deep weight but it does have some high level talent. There is a very clear top 3 in Bassett, Toprak, and Khorramdel with Arkhiev being the dark horse. Khorramdel doesn’t have a ton of matches but when he competes he almost always wins. His 1 loss was by a point in the U20 semis. Toprak on the other hand wrestles everywhere. Just this year he has competed on the U20, U23, and senior level. He has a few bad results but in the last 2 years his lowest placement is 5th and that was at the Zagreb where he lost to Amouzad and Savadkouhi. Arkhiev barely has any results just like most of the Russians who show up on these age level teams. The results I could find are good though with the latest being a silver at U20 Euros with his loss being to Toprak by a score of 3-2. He’s obviously right there and history shows us that he will most likely be in contention for a medal at least and possibly gold.

Most of the rest of the field is young with the majority of their results coming at the U17 level. Ones to watch are Alessandro Dante Nini and Shattyk Alaidar. Nini wrestled a close bout with Arkhiev at Euros while Alaidar wrestled Khorramdel to a tight 8-4 decision in the U20 Asian finals.

Bassett has been wrestling at an extremely high level for the past year with a win over NCAA champ Anthony Ashnault as well as multiple wins over a very talented Aden Valencia. His one big loss was to a much stronger Matthew Kolodzik. I really doubt any of these foreigners can keep up with Bo’s pace but I am interested to see how he handles a tough Iranian who won’t back down and is used to always moving forward as well. I want to see what he does when he can’t bully his opponent and if he has leg attacks he can depend on in tight matches

Prediction-
Gold-Toprak
Silver-Bassett
Bronze-Khorramdel
Bronze-Arkhiev

 

[El-Jefe]

65kg-

Khizir Dasiyev-FRA

Alessandro Dante Nini-ITA
2022-U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

"France," lol.

Also, "Alessandro Nini" = NJ state finalist Alex Nini, headed to Rutger this fall.

 

[zzs006]

70kg

US rep-PJ Duke
PSU commit
#1 recruit in class of 2025
#8 p4p on flo
Super 32 and Fargo champ

Contenders-

Magomed Baitukaev-AIN (Russia)
2021-cadet world champion
2023-U20 worlds-3rd (lost to Shapiro)
2024-U20 Euros-1st

Goga Otinashvili-GEO
2022-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-3rd
2023-U20 Euros-2nd, U23 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-8th, U23 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Vladimir Azaryan-ARM
2023-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20-Euros-5th

Alex Gabor Gombos-HUN
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-8th

Ali Manouchehr Karampour-IRI
2024-U20 Asians-1st (teched and pinned his way through. Beat Sakybaev 10-0 and pinned Bolatuly when up 9-0)

Aikyn Bolatuly-KAZ
2022-U17 Asians-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Aden Sakybaev-KGZ
2022-U20 Asians-5th, U20 worlds-12th
2023-U23 Asians-2nd, U20 Asians-3rd, U20 worlds-5th, U23 worlds-11th
2024-U20-Asians3rd

Bohdan Olinyk-UKR
2022 U17 worlds-5th
2024-U23 Euros-5th

Ramik Heybatov-AZE
2022-U20 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 Euros-9th, U20 worlds-18th
2024-U20 Euros-7th

Pretty clear top 3 for me with Duke, Baitukaev, and Karampour. Otinashvili, Bolatuly, and Sakybaev are next in line. Karampour only has 1 result I can find but he went unscored upon at U20 Asians with 2 techs and a fall. He will definitely challenge for gold. Baitukaev lost to Shapiro in the quarters at U20’s but pretty much beat up everyone else. At U20 Euros this year he only gave up 1 point and won by tech in 4 out 5 matches. He also teched Otinashvili in the semis. Sakybaev, Otinashvili, and Bolatuly all have really good results but their losses come to the guys listed above and none were close at all. There is a clear definition between the top and next tier.

I might just be a Duke homer but I’m as high on this kid as anyone I’ve watched in a long time. He’s great everywhere and is super physical especially for his age. He is absolutely special. Has had some injury issues in the past but those seem to be behind him. If so, I expect national and world titles in his future. Lots to put on a kid still in high school but not many kids come around like him. That said, he’s going to be tested like never before at this tournament. Baitukaev and Karampour are for real. Baitukaev got in deep on Shapiro 4 times but Meyer outfunked him and scored 6 points off his shot. Duke can’t scramble quite like Shapiro so he needs to keep him off his legs. He should use his underhook and control ties and control the match that way.

Prediction-
Gold-Duke
Silver-Karampour
Bronze-Baitukaev
Bronze-Otinashvili

So far I’ve picked our guys to all be in the finals with 3 winning gold. Probably looking at it as a US homer but this team is the best U20 team the US has put together and these first 4 weights are some of the best age group level guys the US has had in awhile. Going forward it gets a bit tougher for the US as well. I have multiple weights with the US not medaling

 

[vhsalum]

One thing to add - Magomed Baitukaev is the nephew of Adam/Buvaisar Saitiev.

Would love to be wrong, but ain't nobody beating him at U20s. Duke is just too unseasoned at this point.

 

[zzs006]

One thing to add - Magomed Baitukaev is the nephew of Adam/Buvaisar Saitiev.

Would love to be wrong, but ain't nobody beating him at U20s. Duke is just too unseasoned at this point.

You could absolutely be right. I might be putting a lot on Shapiro beating him 8-0 last year. Duke doesn’t have much freestyle experience but what he did to a good field at trials was so impressive. I just hope Baitukaev and Karampour are on the opposite side of Duke

 

[vhsalum]

You could absolutely be right. I might be putting a lot on Shapiro beating him 8-0 last year. Duke doesn’t have much freestyle experience but what he did to a good field at trials was so impressive. I just hope Baitukaev and Karampour are on the opposite side of Duke

I kinda wanna see it first round. LOL.

 

[Folkstylefan]

Duke will be a great addition to PSU, another hammer. Dont really put a ton of stock in freestyle results for the top kids. As much as those that love freestyle want to beat the drum, its not quite the same. You can look back in very recent history and come up with a bunch of names that we’re supposed to be NC in college that didnt transfer that same freestyle skill set on folkstyle.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

One thing to add - Magomed Baitukaev is the nephew of Adam/Buvaisar Saitiev.

Would love to be wrong, but ain't nobody beating him at U20s. Duke is just too unseasoned at this point.

This is incorrect. The nephew is Adlan Saitiev, competing this week at U17s, Baitukaev is not related from anything I can find, but he does have a similar style

 

[BrockBronson]

This is incorrect. The nephew is Adlan Saitiev, competing this week at U17s, Baitukaev is not related from anything I can find, but he does have a similar style

What weight is Adlan wrestling at U17

I don’t see Baitukaev, regardless of who he is beating Duke. If Shapiro beat him, PJ will too. I think Duke will eventually put it on Shapiro too.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

What weight is Adlan wrestling at U17

I don’t see Baitukaev, regardless of who he is beating Duke. If Shapiro beat him, PJ will too. I think Duke will eventually put it on Shapiro too.

60 KG, He will be against Jordyn Raney if he faces a USA guy

 

[vhsalum]

This is incorrect. The nephew is Adlan Saitiev, competing this week at U17s, Baitukaev is not related from anything I can find, but he does have a similar style

Whoops!

Got bad intel. LOL.

 

[Sleepylion]

Whoops!

Got bad intel. LOL.

NOTE: @vhsalum is not a CIA operative... or maybe he is. 🕵️‍♂️

 

[SlipperyPete12]

¡Ay, caramba!

 

[zzs006]

74kg

US rep-LaDarion Lockett
Oklahoma State commit
#3 in class of 2025
Super 32 and Ironman champ
2023-U17 world champion
2024-U20 pan-ams-1st

Contenders-

Samvel Gevorgyan-ARM
2023-U17 Euros-2nd, U17 worlds-3rd (lost to Blaze)

Seyfulla Itaev-FRA
2023-U20 Euros-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-3rd, U23 Euros-7th, Senior Euros-5th ( lost 6-5 to Andreasyan and 2-1 to Musukaev)

Tamir Eshinimaev-AIN (Russia)
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Ali Abbas Rezaeiaghouzgeleh-IRI
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2023-U20 Asians-1st, U20 worlds-2nd ( lost to Shapiro 11-6)
2024-2nd ranking series-3rd (beat Bayramov and Elbakidze, lost to Zhamalov), U20 Asians-1st (won all matches by 10-0 tech)
Ranked #15 on the senior level

Raul Caso-ITA
2021-cadet worlds-5th
2022-U17 worlds-2nd (lost to Sealey 12-0), U20 worlds-13th
2023-U20 worlds-23rd, U20 Euros-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-9th

Shingo Ando-JPN
2022-U17 Asians-1st

Yegor Anchugin-KAZ
2023-U20 Asians-7th, U/0 worlds-21st
2024-U20 Asians-3rd

Gigi Subtirica-ROM
2021-cadet Euros-8th, cadet worlds-5th
2022-U20 Euros-5th, U20 worlds-11th
2023-U20 Euros-8th, U23 Euros-5th, U20 workds-18th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

Ibrahim Yaprak-TUR
2023-U20 Euros-1st, U20 worlds-3rd, U23 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Euros-5th, U23 Euros-3rd

Pretty solid weight with lots of depth and talent but with a clear favorite as well. One strange thing is that the U20 Euro champ, Vadim Tsurkan from UKR is not competing. He would be a medal favorite but Ukraine sent someone else. The clear favorite for me is Ali Rezaei from Iran. Great age level results and this year has been competing on the senior level with good results as well. His win over Olympian Turan Bayramov stands out with his only loss at the same tournament coming to Olympic champion Zhamalov. He absolutely demolished the field at U20 Asians as well winning all of his matches by 10-0 techs. I have him as the 3rd biggest favorite out of all the weight classes.

The next level includes Lockett, Itaev, Yaprak, and Eshinimaev. Itaev is an interesting one and I’m not positive what to think about him. He has good results but hasn’t placed higher than 3rd at any event I can find. The tricky part is he just placed 5th at senior Euros with his 2 losses coming to Musukaev 2-1 and Andreasyan 6-5. Those are 2 of the very best guys in the world and he was right there with them. Seems like he can go with anyone but hasn’t had a true breakout win or performance. It could possibly come here. Yaprak took 3rd at U20’s last year and has good results at U23 as well. He’s tough and should be in the hunt for a medal. I can’t find results for the Russian Eshinimaev except for U20 Euros where he lost to the previously mentioned Tsurkan 3-1 and beat Yaprak 3-3 on criteria . Knowing the talent level that Russia usually brings I’m sure he will be in contention

Lockett has been on an absolute roll this year. He teched Shapiro and followed that up by beating Sealey to even their record at 1-1. He then beat Beau Mantanona in the U20 trial finals to make this team. He looked great on the world stage winning gold at U17’s last year.

Prediction-

Gold-Ali Rezaei-Iran
Silver-Tamir Eshinimaev-Russia
Bronze-LaDarion Lockett-USA
Bronze-Ibrahim Yaprak-TUR

 

[zzs006]

So going through and doing my previews I’ve found that not a single guy from Uzbekistan is registered at U20’s. They did send a team to U17’s so I’m hoping they just haven’t sent in a list of competitors yet. Does anyone know or heard if they are bringing a team to U20’s?

 

[El-Jefe]

So going through and doing my previews I’ve found that not a single guy from Uzbekistan is registered at U20’s. They did send a team to U17’s so I’m hoping they just haven’t sent in a list of competitors yet. Does anyone know or heard if they are bringing a team to U20’s?

 

[BrockBronson]

70kg

US rep-PJ Duke
PSU commit
#1 recruit in class of 2025
#8 p4p on flo
Super 32 and Fargo champ

Contenders-

Magomed Baitukaev-AIN (Russia)
2021-cadet world champion
2023-U20 worlds-3rd (lost to Shapiro)
2024-U20 Euros-1st

Goga Otinashvili-GEO
2022-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-3rd
2023-U20 Euros-2nd, U23 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-8th, U23 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Vladimir Azaryan-ARM
2023-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20-Euros-5th

Alex Gabor Gombos-HUN
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-8th

Ali Manouchehr Karampour-IRI
2024-U20 Asians-1st (teched and pinned his way through. Beat Sakybaev 10-0 and pinned Bolatuly when up 9-0)

Aikyn Bolatuly-KAZ
2022-U17 Asians-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Aden Sakybaev-KGZ
2022-U20 Asians-5th, U20 worlds-12th
2023-U23 Asians-2nd, U20 Asians-3rd, U20 worlds-5th, U23 worlds-11th
2024-U20-Asians3rd

Bohdan Olinyk-UKR
2022 U17 worlds-5th
2024-U23 Euros-5th

Ramik Heybatov-AZE
2022-U20 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 Euros-9th, U20 worlds-18th
2024-U20 Euros-7th

Pretty clear top 3 for me with Duke, Baitukaev, and Karampour. Otinashvili, Bolatuly, and Sakybaev are next in line. Karampour only has 1 result I can find but he went unscored upon at U20 Asians with 2 techs and a fall. He will definitely challenge for gold. Baitukaev lost to Shapiro in the quarters at U20’s but pretty much beat up everyone else. At U20 Euros this year he only gave up 1 point and won by tech in 4 out 5 matches. He also teched Otinashvili in the semis. Sakybaev, Otinashvili, and Bolatuly all have really good results but their losses come to the guys listed above and none were close at all. There is a clear definition between the top and next tier.

I might just be a Duke homer but I’m as high on this kid as anyone I’ve watched in a long time. He’s great everywhere and is super physical especially for his age. He is absolutely special. Has had some injury issues in the past but those seem to be behind him. If so, I expect national and world titles in his future. Lots to put on a kid still in high school but not many kids come around like him. That said, he’s going to be tested like never before at this tournament. Baitukaev and Karampour are for real. Baitukaev got in deep on Shapiro 4 times but Meyer outfunked him and scored 6 points off his shot. Duke can’t scramble quite like Shapiro so he needs to keep him off his legs. He should use his underhook and control ties and control the match that way.

Prediction-
Gold-Duke
Silver-Karampour
Bronze-Baitukaev
Bronze-Otinashvili

So far I’ve picked our guys to all be in the finals with 3 winning gold. Probably looking at it as a US homer but this team is the best U20 team the US has put together and these first 4 weights are some of the best age group level guys the US has had in awhile. Going forward it gets a bit tougher for the US as well. I have multiple weights with the US not medaling

What’s everyone’s thoughts on Duke winning the Senior 70kg spot in a few weeks at trials. Bold prediction- crushes everyone at U20’s and makes the senior team.
What USA guys will be there?

 

[GogglesPaizano]

What’s everyone’s thoughts on Duke winning the Senior 70kg spot in a few weeks at trials.

 

[zzs006]

What’s everyone’s thoughts on Duke winning the Senior 70kg spot in a few weeks at trials. Bold prediction- crushes everyone at U20’s and makes the senior team.
What USA guys will be there?

I absolutely love Duke but I can’t go this far. He barely has any freestyle experience and senior level is a whole different level. I did pick Duke to win U20’s but I’ll be surprised if he crushes everyone. U20’s is one of the toughest tournaments out there. I think Duke could win some matches but a guy like Pantaleo would give him issues.

 

[El-Jefe]

What’s everyone’s thoughts on Duke winning the Senior 70kg spot in a few weeks at trials. Bold prediction- crushes everyone at U20’s and makes the senior team.
What USA guys will be there?

All of the 65 kg guys from Trials except Zain are eligible.

Even if we exclude the 141s like Nick, Beau, Mendez, and Alirez, that leaves: Pantaleo, Yianni, McKenna, and Full Feed James Green. And Jordan Oliver.

EDIT: not Yianni.

 

[zzs006]

79kg

US rep-Zack Ryder
PSU commit
#6 on flo p4p list
2022-U17 worlds-3rd
2023-U17 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 pan-ams-1st

Contenders-

Said Saidulov-AIN-Russia
2024-U20 Euros-1st

Ryunosuke Kamiya-JPN
2022-U20 worlds-2nd
2023-U20 worlds-15th
2024-Senior Asians-6th

Giorgi Gogritchiani-GEO
2021-cadet Euros-3rd, cadet worlds-2nd (lost to Shapiro 8-4)
2023-U23 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-2nd, Senior Euros-9th

Yerkhan Bexultanov-KAZ
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2022-U23 worlds-14th, U20 worlds-7th, U20 Asians-1st
2024-U20 Asians-3rd

Bekir Talip Ovec-TUR
2022-U20 worlds-5th
2023-U20 Euros-5th

Radomir Nikolaev Stoyanov-
2022-U20 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-8th
2023-U23 Euros-11th, U20 Euros-5th, U20 worlds-9th
2024-U23 Euros-3rd, U20 Euros-13th

Amit Amit-IND
2024-U23 Asians-3rd, U20 Asians-3rd

Alp Arslan Begenjov-TKM
2022-U17 Asians-1st, U17 worlds-12th
2023-U17 Asians 3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-Senior Asians-5th, U23 Asians-3rd, U20 Asians-1st

Oleksandr Mamrosh-UKR
2021-cadet Euros-1st, cadet worlds-11th
2022-U20 worlds-14th
2023-U20 Euros-7th, U23 worlds-10th

Aren Israyelyan-ARM
2021-cadet Euros-1st, cadet worlds-11th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

Pretty deep weight with a bunch of good guys but no one really standing above the rest. Begenjov is the favorite for me. He has wrestled a ton and just this year he has placed at seniors, U23, and U20 levels. Kamiya, Gogritchiani, Bexultanov, Saidulov, and Ryder are in the next tier. Saidulov doesn’t have many results but his one result is winning U20 Euros. Kamiya has wrestled on the senior level this year and was U20 silver in the past. Bexultanov has really solid results but never completely broken through. Gogritchiani has good results on the age level circuit and seems to be wrestling well

Ryder is dangerous and will absolutely be in medal contention. He doesn’t put up a ton of points but is super strong and stingy defensively. Great from the over/under position where he has a great whip over where he scores a lot and gets some falls as well. He had a really good trials where he beat Iowas great hope Gabe Arnold in 2 straight.

Prediction-

Gold-Alp Arslan Begenjov
Silver-Ryunosuke Kamiya
Bronze-Zack Ryder
Bronze-Giorgi Gorgritchiani

 

[El-Jefe]

 

[zzs006]

View embedded media

Pencil in those 2 uncommitted for the good guys and that list looks even better. 7 out of 10 weights isn’t too bad I guess

 

[El-Jefe]

Pencil in those 2 uncommitted for the good guys and that list looks even better. 7 out of 10 weights isn’t too bad I guess

Yeah, we might have to keep Cael.

 

[zzs006]

86kg

US rep-Josh Barr
Redshirt freshman at PSU
4X Michigan state champ
Fargo champ
Wrestled at WNO twice

Contenders-

Ibragim Kadiev-AIN-Russia
2023-U20 worlds-1st
2024-U20 Euros-1st
Russian senior national champion
Ranked #13 on the senior level

Sadig Mustafazade-AZE
2023-U20 Euros-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Aliaksei Kulakou-AIN
2023-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Euros-8th

Abolfazi Yaser Rahmani Firouzjaei-IRI
2023-U17 Asians-1st, U17 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Gabriele Niccolini-ITA
2021-cadet Euros-5th, junior Euros-15th, cadet worlds-5th
2022-U20 Euros-11th, U20 worlds-13th
2023-U20 Euros-11th, U20 worlds-21st
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Alexandru Bors-MDA
2022-U17 Euros-1st, U17 worlds-3rd
2023-U17 Euros-1st, U20 Euros-13th, U17 worlds-2nd (beat Ryder 4-1 in semis)
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Batbilguun Naadambat-MGL
2022-U20 Asians-2nd, U20 worlds-8th
2023-U23 Asians-1st
2024-Senior Asians-7th, U20 Asians-1st

Douletgeldi Myradov-TKM
2023-U17 Asians-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Asians-7th

Ahmet Yagan-TUR
2023-U20 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

This is a really good weight with both depth and high end talent. There is a prohibitive favorite though in Kadiev. He is actually my second biggest favorite out of all the weights. He dominated U20’s last year with 4 techs and an 8-4 decision. This year at U20 Euros his closet match was 9-1 to Mustafazade. I expect him to win a second title in fairly dominant fashion again.

Next tier is large lead by Naadambat and then Bors, Mustafazade, Yagan, Firouzjaei, and Barr. Naadambat has been great on the age group level and has been wrestling seniors this year. Yagan got teched by Kadiev at Euros but he scored 5 points which is the most Kadiev gave up in multiple tournaments on the U20 level and Yagan was just outside the medals last year. Mustafazade doesn’t have a ton of results but the ones he has our pretty good. Firouzjaei is in his first year at U20’s but did well at Asians and Iran always sends tough kids. Bors has great results on the age group level and beat our own Zack Ryder last year. He’s tough to score on and should definitely be in the medal hunt

I’m a fan of Barr and have been for a long time. I see the same issues the rest of you do though but there is no denying the kid is a gamer and won’t back down. His trials were so impressive especially the finals against Sinclair. Barr got dominated by Sinclair at the open and I doubt many people, myself included, thought he had much of a chance to reverse that result at trials. Never count out the PSU staff to game plan and have their guys ready though. After a super tight first win where he pulled it off super late Barr absolutely crushed Sinclair in the last match to make this team. Huge accomplishment after coming so close to making the team last year. Barr can place but I’m not picking it. I see him having some trouble finishing against the top guys but I think he will be competitive with most. I hope I’m wrong and Barr brings home a medal

Predictions-

Gold-Kadiev
Silver-Naadambat
Bronze-Bors
Bronze-Mustafazade

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

86kg

US rep-Josh Barr
Redshirt freshman at PSU
4X Michigan state champ
Fargo champ
Wrestled at WNO twice

Contenders-

Ibragim Kadiev-AIN-Russia
2023-U20 worlds-1st
2024-U20 Euros-1st
Ranked #13 on the senior level

Sadig Mustafazade-AZE
2023-U20 Euros-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Aliaksei Kulakou-AIN
2023-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Euros-8th

Abolfazi Yaser Rahmani Firouzjaei-IRI
2023-U17 Asians-1st, U17 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Gabriele Niccolini-ITA
2021-cadet Euros-5th, junior Euros-15th, cadet worlds-5th
2022-U20 Euros-11th, U20 worlds-13th
2023-U20 Euros-11th, U20 worlds-21st
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Alexandru Bors-MDA
2022-U17 Euros-1st, U17 worlds-3rd
2023-U17 Euros-1st, U20 Euros-13th, U17 worlds-2nd (beat Ryder 4-1 in semis)
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Batbilguun Naadambat-MGL
2022-U20 Asians-2nd, U20 worlds-8th
2023-U23 Asians-1st
2024-Senior Asians-7th, U20 Asians-1st

Douletgeldi Myradov-TKM
2023-U17 Asians-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Asians-7th

Ahmet Yagan-TUR
2023-U20 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

This is a really good weight with both depth and high end talent. There is a prohibitive favorite though in Kadiev. He is actually my second biggest favorite out of all the weights. He dominated U20’s last year with 4 techs and an 8-4 decision. This year at U20 Euros his closet match was 9-1 to Mustafazade. I expect him to win a second title in fairly dominant fashion again.

Next tier is large lead by Naadambat and then Bors, Mustafazade, Yagan, Firouzjaei, and Barr. Naadambat has been great on the age group level and has been wrestling seniors this year. Yagan got teched by Kadiev at Euros but he scored 5 points which is the most Kadiev gave up in multiple tournaments on the U20 level and Yagan was just outside the medals last year. Mustafazade doesn’t have a ton of results but the ones he has our pretty good. Firouzjaei is in his first year at U20’s but did well at Asians and Iran always sends tough kids. Bors has great results on the age group level and beat our own Zack Ryder last year. He’s tough to score on and should definitely be in the medal hunt

I’m a fan of Barr and have been for a long time. I see the same issues the rest of you do though but there is no denying the kid is a gamer and won’t back down. His trials were so impressive especially the finals against Sinclair. Barr got dominated by Sinclair at the open and I doubt many people, myself included, thought he had much of a chance to reverse that result at trials. Never count out the PSU staff to game plan and have their guys ready though. After a super tight first win where he pulled it off super late Barr absolutely crushed Sinclair in the last match to make this team. Huge accomplishment after coming so close to making the team last year. Barr can place but I’m not picking it. I see him having some trouble finishing against the top guys but I think he will be competitive with most. I hope I’m wrong and Barr brings home a medal

Predictions-

Gold-Kadiev
Silver-Naadambat
Bronze-Bors
Bronze-Mustafazade

zzs006, I sure appreciate all the hard work you put into all of this! Your thoroughness is amazing. You are another reason why this Forum is the best. Thanks again.

 

[zzs006]

92kg

US rep-Connor Mirasola
PSU incoming freshman
4X Wisconsin state champ
#10 on flo p4p list
Fargo champ

Contenders-

Mustafagadzhi Malachdibirov-AIN-Russia
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2023-U20 worlds-3rd
2024-U23 Euros-3rd, U20 Euros-1st, Yarygin-3rd

Anar Jafarli-AZE
2023-U20 worlds-2nd
2024-U23 Euros-7th, U20 Euros-2nd

Sali Saliev-BUL
2021-cadet Euros-2nd
2022-U20 Euros-7th, U20 worlds-7th
2023-U23 Euros-11th, U20 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-14th
2024-U23 Euros-10th, U20 Euros-3rd

Kamil Kurugliyev-KAZ
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2022-U17 Asians-1st, U17 worlds-1st (beat McEnelly)
2023-U20 Asians-1st, U20 worlds-5th (lost to McDanel)
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Musza Arsunkaev-HUN
2021-cadet worlds-9th
2022-U17 Euros-2nd, U17 worlds-2nd
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Amirreza Jafar Daliri-IRI
2024-U20 Asians-3rd

Delgerdalai Demberel-MGL
2023-U20 Asians-5th
2024-U20 Asians-3rd

Konstantine Petriashvili-GEO
2023-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-8th, U17 worlds-1st

Really solid weight overall. Good quality throughout with top level talent snd lots of guys in contention to medal. Favorites are Malachdibirov, Jafarli, Kurugliyev, and Mirasola. Malachdibirov, Kurugliyev and Jafarli all have previous age level medals and have good recent results as well. Kurugliyev hasn’t quite matched his U17 results but is dangerous and could absolutely bring home gold. That said, Malachdibirov is the favorite for me. Took 3rd last year at U20’s and won a deep bracket at U20 Euros this year including a win over Jafarli in the finals

2 others who need mentioned are Arsunkaev and Petriashvili. Arsunkaev has a silver at U17’s and just placed 3rd at U20 Asians. Petriashvili is the younger brother of all time great Geno Petriashvili and just won gold at U17’s. I expect him to win a couple matches but not be extremely competitive with the top guys. He’s wrestling well right now but placed 8th earlier this year at U20 Euros.

Mirasola is a beast and someone I expect to win
NCAA titles and world titles in the future. Sky is the limit for him. He is also great in freestyle with wins over Evan Wick, Max Dean, and David McDadden just this past year. He can absolutely win this weight but he doesn’t have any international experience yet so adapting to the foreign style could present a few issues.

Predictions-
Gold-Malachdibirov
Silver-Mirasola
Bronze-Jafarli
Bronze-Kurugliyev

 

[Petch]

Here is my yearly U20 preview. I’ll try and post a few weights per week

57kg-

USA rep-Luke Lilledahl
PSU commit, #1 overall recruit
2021-Cadet worlds-2nd, 2022-U17 worlds-1st
2023-U20 worlds-2nd, U20 pan-ams-1st
2024-U20 pan-ams-1st

Contenders-

Lev Pavlov-AIN (Russia)
2023 U20 worlds-9th (lost to Lilledahl 1st round)
2024-U20 Euro’s-1st
2024-Russian nationals-2nd
Ranked #10 in FLO’s senior freestyle rankings

Vasif Baghirov-AZE
2022-U17 Euro’s-1st, 2022-U17 worlds-1st (beat Christian Castillo in finals)
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Ankush Ankush-IND
2023-U17 Asians-1st
2023-U17 worlds-2nd ( lost to Blaze in finals)

Milad Valizadeh-IRI
2023-4th ranking series event-9th (lost to Zane Richards 17-6)
2023-Senior worlds-8th (beat #8 in seniors Rzazade 8-4)

Herbert Akapian-AIN
2021-Cadet world team
2023-U20 worlds-10th
2024-U23 Euros-5th
2024-U20 Euros-5th

Hayko Gasparyan-ARM
2022-U17 worlds-7th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Baiaman Kerimbekov-KGY
2022-U17 worlds-5th

Shotaro Matsumura-JPN
2023 beat Mitchell Neiner of WA 4-2 in a cultural exchange dual. That is all the info I could find

There is one huge question mark at this weight and it is the Japanese wrestler Yuto Nishiuchi. Nishiuchi won this weight last year beating Lilledahl in the finals. He still has U20 eligibility but has been competing up at 61kg where he won U20 Asians earlier this year. As of now he is not listed as competing at either 57kg or 61kg. No idea why because the 2 guys listed at those weights don’t have a ton of credentials. I’m interested to see if he does get entered as the tournament gets closer. If so, he is probably the favorite at either weight.

I think Lilledahl wins this weight. Will be challenged by Pavlov, Baghirov, Ankush, and Valizadeh. Valizadeh doesn’t have many results I can find but he did represent Iran at 57kg at senior worlds this year where he beat Olympian and world ranked #8 Razazade. He will absolutely be a contender. Lilledahl handled Pavlov at this tournament last year but he is super tough and wrestles a funky style. He just won U20 Euros so he is competing at a high level and holds wins over quite a few of the other top guys at this weight. Also took 2nd at Russian nationals this year. Ankush and Baghirov both have great results at the U17 level but are coming up to U20. I think both should be in medal contention.

Prediction-
Gold-Lilledahl
Silver-Pavlov
Bronze-Valizadeh
Bronze-Ankush

I’ve heard that the Russian’s dog is constantly salivating. Hope they sufficiently wipe him down.

 

[Split shot]

I’ve heard that the Russian’s dog is constantly salivating. Hope they sufficiently wipe him down.

That's damn funny!!

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

Penn State Fan Guide To U20 World Championships - FloWrestling

Nittany Lion wrestling fans have five current and future Penn Staters to cheer for at U20 Worlds. Here's what you need to know.

www.flowrestling.org

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

70kg

US rep-PJ Duke
PSU commit
#1 recruit in class of 2025
#8 p4p on flo
Super 32 and Fargo champ

Contenders-

Magomed Baitukaev-AIN (Russia)
2021-cadet world champion
2023-U20 worlds-3rd (lost to Shapiro)
2024-U20 Euros-1st

Goga Otinashvili-GEO
2022-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-3rd
2023-U20 Euros-2nd, U23 Euros-3rd, U20 worlds-8th, U23 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Vladimir Azaryan-ARM
2023-U17 Euros-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20-Euros-5th

Alex Gabor Gombos-HUN
2021-cadet worlds-3rd
2024-U20 Euros-8th

Ali Manouchehr Karampour-IRI
2024-U20 Asians-1st (teched and pinned his way through. Beat Sakybaev 10-0 and pinned Bolatuly when up 9-0)

Aikyn Bolatuly-KAZ
2022-U17 Asians-3rd, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd

Aden Sakybaev-KGZ
2022-U20 Asians-5th, U20 worlds-12th
2023-U23 Asians-2nd, U20 Asians-3rd, U20 worlds-5th, U23 worlds-11th
2024-U20-Asians3rd

Bohdan Olinyk-UKR
2022 U17 worlds-5th
2024-U23 Euros-5th

Ramik Heybatov-AZE
2022-U20 Euros-3rd
2023-U20 Euros-9th, U20 worlds-18th
2024-U20 Euros-7th

Pretty clear top 3 for me with Duke, Baitukaev, and Karampour. Otinashvili, Bolatuly, and Sakybaev are next in line. Karampour only has 1 result I can find but he went unscored upon at U20 Asians with 2 techs and a fall. He will definitely challenge for gold. Baitukaev lost to Shapiro in the quarters at U20’s but pretty much beat up everyone else. At U20 Euros this year he only gave up 1 point and won by tech in 4 out 5 matches. He also teched Otinashvili in the semis. Sakybaev, Otinashvili, and Bolatuly all have really good results but their losses come to the guys listed above and none were close at all. There is a clear definition between the top and next tier.

I might just be a Duke homer but I’m as high on this kid as anyone I’ve watched in a long time. He’s great everywhere and is super physical especially for his age. He is absolutely special. Has had some injury issues in the past but those seem to be behind him. If so, I expect national and world titles in his future. Lots to put on a kid still in high school but not many kids come around like him. That said, he’s going to be tested like never before at this tournament. Baitukaev and Karampour are for real. Baitukaev got in deep on Shapiro 4 times but Meyer outfunked him and scored 6 points off his shot. Duke can’t scramble quite like Shapiro so he needs to keep him off his legs. He should use his underhook and control ties and control the match that way.

Prediction-
Gold-Duke
Silver-Karampour
Bronze-Baitukaev
Bronze-Otinashvili

So far I’ve picked our guys to all be in the finals with 3 winning gold. Probably looking at it as a US homer but this team is the best U20 team the US has put together and these first 4 weights are some of the best age group level guys the US has had in awhile. Going forward it gets a bit tougher for the US as well. I have multiple weights with the US not medaling

Duke winning by tech at NY D1 state championships as a 7th grader! I am so excited to watch his career unfold at Penn State. He is such a hammer. Not only is he great on his feet, but he also seems to have a solid top game. As he develops under Casey, Cael and Cody, the sky is the limit.

 

[Psalm 1 guy]

Is Luke Lilledahl Penn State's Next 125 Pounder? - FloWrestling

Many expect Luke Lilledahl to be Penn State's 125-pound starter this season. He'll be representing the USA at the U20 World Championships next week.

www.flowrestling.org

 

[Pennstate1985]

Duke winning by tech at NY D1 state championships as a 7th grader! I am so excited to watch his career unfold at Penn State. He is such a hammer. Not only is he great on his feet, but he also seems to have a solid top game. As he develops under Casey, Cael and Cody, the sky is the limit.

I think Zain will be the most important coach to the middle weights. Teach PJ the bow and arrow and it’s over.

 

[zzs006]

97kg

US rep-Justin Rademacher
Wrestles for Oregon State
2024 NCAA national qualifier
U20 US open runner up at 92kg (lost to Mirasola)

Contenders-

Rizabek Aitmukhan-KAZ
2022-U23 Asians-1st, U23 worlds-5th
2023-Ibrahim Mustafa-5th, Senior Asians-2nd, U23 Asians-1st, 4th ranking series-3rd, U20 worlds-2nd, Senior worlds-1st
2024-Senior Asians-2nd ( lost to Taz 4-2), 2nd ranking series-3rd

Abolfazi Davoud Babaloo-IRI
2023-U20 Asians-5th, U20 worlds-1st
2024-2nd ranking series-5th (lost to Yergali 3-2 and Ciftci 4-3), U20 Asians-1st

Rifat Eren Gidak-TUR
2021-cadet Euros-3rd, cadet worlds-1st
2022-U20 worlds-2nd (lost to Kueter 10-2)
2024-U23 Euros-3rd, U20 Euros-3rd

Shakhman Nukhaev-AIN-Russia
2024-U20 Euros-2nd

Ravan Musayev-AZE
2022-U17 Euros-5th, U17 worlds-8th
2023-U20 Euros-8th, U20 worlds-7th
2024-U23 Euros-5th

Ramini Gulitashvili-GEO
2022-U17 Euros-5th, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Euros-3rd

Sahil Jaglan-IND
2021-cadet worlds-9th
2022-U17 Asians-5th, U17 worlds-5th
2024-U20 Asians-2nd, U23 Asians-1st

Kutman Tolobaldiev-KGZ
2021-cadet worlds-13th
2022-U20 worlds-9th
2023-U20 Asians-9th
2024-U20 Asians-3rd

Really great top end talent with a few others pushing for medals. Not overly deep overall though. The class of the weight is Aitmukhan and Babaloo. Aitmukhan took 2nd at U20’s last year at 92kg and followed that up with a senior world title at 92kg. This year he’s been wrestling seniors and had a competitive 4-2 match with Olympic champ Tazhudinov. I see him as the favorite but Babaloo will absolutely be in the running as well. He won U20’s at 97kg last year and beat Camden McDanel in the semis. This year he has won U20 Asians while also having pretty solid results on the senior level. If this ends up being a final it should be one of the best

Other contenders are Shakhman Nukaev, Sahil Jaglan and Rifat Gidak. Jaglan won U23 Asians this year and was runner-up at U20 Asians only losing to Babaloo. Gidak is an age level champion and runner-up so he knows how to compete on this stage. I don’t really see him challenging the top 2 but should definitely see him in the medal hunt. Nukaev doesn’t have many results I could find like most of the Russian athletes. On Flo they say he was U20 runner-up last year but I don’t see that anywhere. He did beat Gidak at U20 Euros however so he should be looking to medal

Rademacher was the biggest surprise to make this US team. At the US open he was at 92kg and ended up losing to Connor Mirasola in the finals. He moved up to 97kg for trials and had an incredible run. He teched Herzog and then pulled a big upset beating Cody Merrill. Many, including myself, thought Merrill was the guy to beat at this weight. Rademacher did beat him and then in the finals knocked off U20 bronze Camden McDanel. I see him with an outside chance to medal but much more likely to finish 5th or lower.

Predictions-

Gold-Aitmukhan
Silver-Babaloo
Bronze-Jaglan
Bronze-Nukhaev