Match of the Day: McMann and Marano meet in 2003 World Team Trials finals

Once upon a time eventual USA Wrestling legends Kristie Marano and Sara McMann faced off in a World Team Trials finals. It was in 2003 for the 63 kg/139 lbs. World Team spot in women’s freestyle.

Below is their first match in the finals series.

McMann went on to win the 63 kg spot and represent the USA at the World Championships, where she claimed a silver medal. Marano also competed at the 2003 World Championships by winning a wrestle-off at the non-Olympic weight of 67 kg/147 lbs. At the Worlds, Marano secured the gold medal, wrestling up a weight class.

McMann’s and Marano’s efforts helped the USA to a second-place team finish.

Overall in their careers, Marano won two World titles, six World silver medals and a World bronze medal, while McMann won a World silver, two World bronzes and a 2004 Olympic silver medal. McMann was the USA’s first female Olympic finalist.