Jordyn Raney named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week
by Savannah Asmann, USA Wrestling
Jordyn Raney (Sturgis, Kentucky/Union County High School) was named the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week on August 1.
Raney won a gold medal in Greco-Roman at the 2023 U17 World Championships at 55 kg on Tuesday. He was the only Greco-Roman athlete from the United States to earn a medal at the World Championships.
Raney’s tournament began with an incredible run on Monday as he won four straight matches. He picked up his first two victories by technical fall, then went on to defeat 2021 U17 World champion Aytjan Khalmakhanov of Uzbekistan, 9-7. Two big moves while trailing in the semifinals pushed Raney atop 2022 U17 World bronze medalist Mohammadreza Gholamreza Gholami of Iran, 8-7.
In the final match against 2022 U17 World champion Suraj of India, Raney’s offense surged in the second period for the technical fall win. A step out in the first few seconds pushed Raney ahead 1-0 before the break. A takedown and a pair of headlocks stacked on the points for Raney, and an added point from a denied challenge by India made the final score 12-2.
To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.