USA sweeps World team titles, Lee golds on torn ACL
Spencer Lee tore his ACL for the fourth time three months ago, did not touch a mat for 16 weeks, then teched Roman Bravo Young in under 30 seconds for World gold. He was one of five American champions in a week that set US records.
The one that matters
USA beats Russia 194-185, sweeps both freestyle team titles
Team USA won the men's freestyle team title in Astana with 194 points to Russia's 185 and Iran's 133, per USA Wrestling. Add the women's title from earlier in the week and the US swept both freestyle team titles in the same year for the first time ever, per Justin Basch. USA Wrestling counted nine medals and five champions, both American records, off a 42-6 combined mark.
5 World champions. 9 medals out of 10 weights. A 42-6 record in Astana.
Why it matters: Sets the bar for every US senior freestyle cycle and the next World team races.
On the mat
Spencer Lee won 57kg World gold on a torn ACL
Spencer Lee beat Roman Bravo Young 10-0 for 57kg gold, taking him down and leg lacing him inside 30 seconds, per Ross Bartachek. In his post-match presser Lee said he tore his ACL for the fourth time about three months ago, had not been on a mat in 16 weeks and nearly gave up his spot, per Justin Basch.
I'm 28 years old. I don't got many more tears left in me.
Why it matters: A healthy 57kg spot is suddenly open if Lee does not come back next year.
- Lee's surgery and 2027 decision still pending
Bo Bassett wins 65kg World gold before his first college match
Bo Bassett beat Armenia's Vazgen Tevanyan 9-1 for 65kg gold in his Senior Worlds debut. The Virginia Tech freshman is the first American World champion at the weight since Bill Zadick in 2006, when it was 66kg, per Justin Basch. His week also included a 1:13 pin of the 3 seed, two techs and a 14-13 win over Russia.
Why it matters: Virginia Tech opens the college season with a reigning Senior World champion in its lineup.
Snyder rallies from four down for fifth World title at 97kg
Kyle Snyder won 97kg gold over Japan's Arash Yoshida after trailing by four late and scoring two takedowns in the final 30 seconds, per Christian Pyles. The podium behind him was Yoshida, Hassan Yazdani and Abdulrashid Sadulaev, per United World Wrestling. USA Wrestling says Snyder and Kyle Dake both became five-time champions this week, a mark only Burroughs had reached in US men's freestyle.
DOWN 4 LATE. 2 TAKEDOWNS IN THE LAST 30!!!!!
Why it matters: Snyder stays the American standard at 97kg with the sport's deepest field behind him.
Hidlay loses 92kg final, Pyles says the match was stolen
Trent Hidlay's 92kg final loss to Russia ended the US week in an officiating fight. Christian Pyles says Hidlay was given two step outs for one clear takedown plus another takedown on the edge that should have been continuation, and called the match stolen. The Wrestling Nomad called the call straight up bullshit.
I still think Trent is the best 92kg wrestler in the world
Why it matters: Hidlay leaves Astana with silver despite two media voices saying he outscored the champion.
Around the mat
Khabib asks to meet Bo Bassett, calls him The Machine
Khabib requested to meet Bassett after his World title and called him "The Machine," per Pat Mineo.
Wrestling Nomad reacts to report athletes barred from earning at RAF
The Wrestling Nomad flagged a report suggesting wrestlers are being told they can't make money at RAF, calling it "crazy."
Frequently asked questions
Did the USA win both freestyle team titles at Worlds?
Yes, Team USA won both the men's and women's freestyle team titles, which marks the first time the US swept both freestyle team titles in the same year.
How did Spencer Lee win World gold with an injury?
Spencer Lee won 57kg World gold by defeating Roman Bravo Young 10-0, despite having torn his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament, a knee injury) about three months before and not training on a mat for 16 weeks.
Who is Bo Bassett and why does he matter?
Bo Bassett is a Virginia Tech freshman who won 65kg gold in his Senior Worlds debut, making him the first American World champion at that weight since 2006. He is now a reigning Senior World champion entering college wrestling.
How many World titles does Kyle Snyder have?
Kyle Snyder won his fifth World title at 97kg after rallying from being down four points with takedowns in the final 30 seconds, joining Kyle Dake as five-time champions in US men's freestyle.
What happened in the 92kg final with Trent Hidlay?
Trent Hidlay lost the 92kg final to Russia, with media commentators saying the officiating was incorrect and that Hidlay should have won based on scoring.