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Athlete of Week

PJ Duke earns USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week honor, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare

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by Savannah Asmann, USA Wrestling

PJ Duke in the semifinals of the 2025 Senior World Team Trials in Louisville, Ky.

PJ Duke (Slate Hill, N.Y./KD Training Center/Titan Mercury WC) has been named the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, on May 21, 2025.


Duke went 3-0 at the 2025 Senior World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, over the weekend, winning the title at 70 kg. With the title, Duke secured the last spot in Final X at 70 kg, where he will take on Yianni Diakomihalis for the 2025 Senior World Team spot.


In the opening round of his tournament, Duke defeated 2025 NCAA champion and 2023 U20 Pan American champion Antrell Taylor, 9-6.


Duke’s tournament continued in the semifinals, where he claimed a 3-2 decision over NCAA champion and 2017 U17 Greco-Roman World Team member Ridge Lovett. As time expired, it appeared that Lovett secured a takedown, but a challenge from Duke’s corner resulted in a step-out for Lovett prior to the takedown.


In the championship finals, Duke earned a 4-1 victory over 2021 Junior World bronze medalist Bryce Andonian to punch his ticket to Final X.


To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.

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