American Casey Goessl presented Golden Whistle as Outstanding Referee at 2025 World Championships
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by Richard Immel, USA Wrestling
Casey Goessl being presented the Golden Whistle Award at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
ZAGREB, Croatia – U.S. referee Casey Goessl of Osceola, Wis., was presented the prestigious Golden Whistle Award at the 2025 Senior World Championships held at Arena Zagreb. The Golden Whistle recognizes the outstanding referees of the competition, given annually to the top referees in the world.
Goessl achieved the honor at age 44 while officiating his ninth Senior World Championships. He served as a lead referee in Zagreb, with duties primarily focused on jury reviews and referee mentorship. Two other international officials were presented the Golden Whistle alongside Goessl—Zaza Jibladze of Georgia and Marius Cimpoeru of Romania.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized in that capacity, knowing that only eight other Americans have been awarded the Golden Whistle it truly is an honor to be a part of that elite group,” said Goessl.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized in that capacity, knowing that only eight other Americans have been awarded the Golden Whistle it truly is an honor to be a part of that elite group,” said Goessl.
Goessl is one-of-eight American referees to receive the Golden Whistle dating back to 1983, cementing his legacy among the elite wrestling officials in U.S. history. He has officiated nine Senior World Championships and two Olympic Games (2020, 2024). He has served on the UWW Refereeing Commission, holding a variety of international assignments, since 2020.
"Casey is the perfect example of someone who rose from the grassroots of USA Wrestling to being awarded the Golden Whistle as the best official in the world,” said Stacey Davis, USA Wrestling Officials Development Program Manager. “What is most amazing is that it does not change who is he is as a person. Casey simply wants to make wrestling better for everyone. I am proud to get to work with him in my new role at USA Wrestling.”
Goessl got his start as a USA Wrestling official in 1996 and received his international officiating license in 2004, being promoted to UWW 1S rank in 2013. Goessl began officiating local wrestling tournaments in his home state of Wisconsin at age 12, with his father sparking his interest in the craft. His brother Cody is also a longstanding USA Wrestling official.
