Hafizov to go for gold medal in Greco-Roman at German Grand Prix in Dortmund

Ildar Hafizov (USA) competition portrait. Photo by Tony Rotundo, Wrestlers Are Warriors


DORTMUND, Germany –2020 U.S. Olympian and 2023 Senior World Team member Ildar Hafizov has qualified for a gold medal match at 60 kg in the respected German Grand Prix of Greco-Roman.


On Saturday, Hafizov opened his day with a 5-1 win over two-time French Senior World Team member Leo Tusezca in the quarterfinals.In the semifinals. Hafizov dominated Nikolai Mohammadi of Denmark, who competed in the 2023 Senior European Championships, in a 9-0 technical fall.


On Sunday, Hafizov will battle 2018 and 2022 World bronze medalist Aidos Sultangali of Kazakhstan for the gold medal.


Three other U.S. athletes competed on Saturday and dropped their opening matches: Payton Jacobson (82 kg), Senior National Team member Cade Lautt (97 kg) and Courtney Freeman (130 kg). These three U.S. wrestlers are not eligible for repechage, after the athlete who defeated them were beaten in their next round and did not reach the finals.

GRAND PRIX OF GERMANY

at Dortmund, Germany, Aug 12-13


U.S. Greco-Roman roster


60 kg: Ildar Hafizov, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP)

WIN Leo Tusezca (France), 5-1

WIN Nikolai Mohammadi (Denmark), tech fall 9-0

Gold Medal – Aidos Sultangali (Kazakhstan)


82 kg: Payton Jacobson, Elkhorn, Wis. (Sunkist Kids)

LOSS Otto Ketonen (Finland), 3-1


97 kg: Cade Lautt, Olathe, Kansas (Tarheel WC)

LOSS Artiom Shumski (Poland), tech fall 8-0


130 kg: Courtney Freeman, Richlands, N.C. (U.S. Marine Corps)

LOSS Mykhailo Vyshnyvetski (Ukraine), tech fall 13-4