Athlete of Week

Stephen Buchanan Named USA Wrestling Athlete Of The Week Presented By Air Force Special Warfare

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by David Gerhart, USA Wrestling

Stephen Buchanan (middle) has been selected as the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by Air Force Special Forces

Stephen Buchanan (middle) has been selected as the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by Air Force Special Forces

Stephen Buchanan (Coralville, Iowa/Hawkeye WC/Titan Mercury WC) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by Air Force Special Warfare, on January 21, 2026.


Making his international debut, Buchanan won the gold medal at the Henri Deglane Grand Prix of France in the 97 kg division this past weekend. The Hawkeye Wrestling Club member, went a perfect 3-0 in his bracket including a pair of tech falls.


Buchanan’s first match came against two-time age group World qualifier, Ramini Gulitsahvili of Georgia, where Buchanan picked up the 13-2 technical fall. Then, going against the 2022 U20 World bronze medalist, France’s Adlan Viskhanov, Buchanan earned an 8-5 victory.


In the gold medal match, Buchanan squared off against 2024 Olympian and two-time U23 World medalist Radu Lefter of Moldova. Buchanan rolled to an 11-0 technical fall over Lefter to wrap up his international debut in Nice, France.


Before hitting the international stage, Buchanan won the 2025 NCAA Championship at 197 pounds for Iowa. Buchanan finished his collegiate career as a four-time NCAA All-American.


In between his collegiate national title and international debut, he also made an appearance at RAF05 and took down Cuban wrestling legend Yoel Romero in a 10-0 technical fall earlier this month.


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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