The 2023 Senior World Championships are set to begin in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday. This is the second consecutive year that the championship is being held in Belgrade. The US Women’s Freestyle Team will be competing from the 18th to the 21st of the event.
There are several compelling storylines to watch out for as the championship unfolds. Adaline Gray, a legendary wrestler, aims to win her seventh world title and tenth world-level medal. She is looking to surpass Christy Marano-Davis, who holds the top spot on the U.S. women’s world freestyle medal list. Gray’s impressive resume already includes six Olympic gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals. If she secures more medals in Belgrade, she will tie with Jordan Burroughs for the most medals. Bruce Baumgartner, with 13 world-class medals, holds the top spot on the American list.
Another athlete to keep an eye on is Helen Maroulis, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist. Maroulis is aiming for her fifth world title and has already won eight world-level medals, including four gold medals. She will compete in the 57 kg weight class.
Amit Erault, the returning world champion, is hoping to achieve a second consecutive triple crown by winning the U20, U23, and Senior world titles. Last year, Erault became the youngest wrestler in U.S. history to win a senior world title at the age of 18. She has the opportunity to repeat this accomplishment in Belgrade.
Three veteran wrestlers, Jennifer Page (59kg), Macy Quilty (65kg), and Emma Brantil (68kg), will be making their debut at the senior world championships. Page, with her wealth of experience, is expected to make an impact in her weight class. Quilty, who has faced injuries in previous years, is determined to represent her home country at the championships. Brantil has a strong track record in international wrestling and has the potential to secure her first world championship medal.
Jakara Winchester, the 2019 world champion, and Dominic Parrish, the 2020 gold medalist, both have the opportunity to add another world medal to their collections in Belgrade.
Sara Hildebrand and Kayla Miracle, who have achieved silver medals in previous championships, aim to secure their first world titles in their respective weight classes.
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