With a very narrow roster of just eight fighters (three in Greco-Roman, two in freestyle, and three women), Cuba won seven medals at the recently finished Pan American Wrestling Championships, held in the Mexican city of Monterrey.

Winning four gold medals, three came in the classical discipline, thanks to stars Luis Orta (67 kg), Gabriel Rosillo (97 kg), and Oscar Pino (130 kg), who consistently defeated their opponents.

Orta won by technical superiority in all three fights, and Pino in the first two, before defeating North American Cohlton Michael Schultz 3-1 for the title.

Meanwhile, the world champion and Paris Olympic bronze medalist defeated experienced Honduran Kevin Mejía 5-1 in the final, with a nice come back after winning a challenge from the Caribbean corner. It was the only point Rosillo conceded in five bouts.

On the women's side, Yaynelis Sanz stood out, taking the 57 kg title 6-0, overcoming local favorite Bertha Rojas, who was overcome by the Caribbean native in three counterattacks.

Here, bronze medals went to our two summer medalists: Yusneylis Guzmán (50) and Milaimy Marín (76).

The smaller fighter found herself significantly underpowered by North American Audrey Jiménez in the second round, after winning 8-2 in the first. Just when victory seemed at hand reach, she gave up a step back, and the northerner spun her around four times to advance to the final with an 18-8 advantage.

Milaimy was stopped by Brazilian Thamires Martins, who defeated her 9-7 in the semifinals, although both women later won comfortably in the fight for third place in their respective categories.

Among the men's freestyle, Arturo Silot took the podium, winning silver in the 97kg after narrowly losing 4-5 to North American Justin Rademacher, who held the narrow lead for over two minutes.

The only one who couldn't make it to the awards stage was young Geannis Garzón (74), who was disqualified in his fight against North American Ladarion Lockett, the 2023 U-17 world champion, for excessive force and was unable to challenge for the bronze.

It was a historic event for Argentina, which won its first gold medal in the freestyle event thanks to Agustín Destribats, who defeated North American Joseph McKenna in a thrilling final that gave them the victory after a four-point tie.
For its part, Mexico finished a 32-year wait for the top medal in these tournaments, and did so twice, thanks to the wins of Román Bravo Young (57) and Austin Gómez (70).

Cuba's small retinue finished fourth in the Greco-Roman competition, seventh in the women's competition, and 12th in the men's freestyle competition, taking into account the points earned.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSi Translation Staff