Fix defeats Courtney in special wrestle-off for Junior World Team spot at 57 kg

VIDEO: Daton Fix interview

FARGO, N.D. – For the third year in a row, Daton Fix has clinched a bid to the Junior World Championships, defeating 2018 Junior World Team Trials champion Brandon Courtney in a special wrestle-off on Sunday evening in Fargo, N.D.

Defending Junior World champion Fix punched his ticket to Worlds, coming out on top in a best-of-three series with a pair of tech falls, 11-0 and 10-0.

A series of takedowns and gut wrenches propelled Fix to victory.

“I’ve wrestled every opportunity I’ve had, and I’m not afraid to put it all on the line. I’m pretty sure that’s well known,” Fix said. “I just love competing, no matter where it is. If there are big lights, I’m going to be there.”

Because Fix is a returning World Team member, placed top-three at the Senior U.S. Open and earned a spot in Final X, he was afforded the opportunity for a delayed wrestle-off for the Junior World Team spot against Courtney, who won the Junior World Team Trials in Rochester, Minn., in May.

Fix is the United States’ No. 2 wrestler at 57 kg on the Senior level, after an exciting national-level season, where he finished second at the U.S. Open, claimed the crown at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament and was a Final X participant.

“There’s been some ups and some downs (this summer), but now I’m focused on winning another World championship,” Fix said. “I’ve heard it’s harder the second time, and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

The Junior World Championships are set for Sept. 17-23 in Trnava, Slovakia.

JUNIOR WORLD TEAM WRESTLE-OFF

at Fargo, N.D., July 15, 2018

Men’s freestyle
57 kg – Daton Fix (Titan Mercury WC) def. Brandon Courtney (Sunkist Kids), two matches to none
Bout one: Fix tech. fall Courtney, 11-0
Bout two: Fix tech. fall Courtney, 10-0