Off to Turkey for Last Chance

We'll send six American wrestlers to Istanbul this weekend as part of their last chance to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. Obviously, this is a big deal. 

The six that failed to qualify in Mongolia are all scheduled to compete in Istanbul. Instead of some hand picking or injury replacements, it appears the same people are headed there for better or worse. Remember, only countries who haven't qualified the weights can send a representative to finish in the top 2. So the field has softened...sort of. 

Frank Molinaro occupies our lone Men's Freestyle spot yet to qualify. He'll look to navigate a tough world class field, but has shown success with his ability to pick the right spots on when to attack. 

We send two women's wrestlers in Kelsey Campbell and Tamyra Mensah. Mensah was just one win shy in Mongolia, and looks to be one of the favorites in her bracket. Campbell lost her first match 1-1 and will probably need to open up more to get the necessary wins. 

We send three in Greco, which is traditionally the toughest to qualify in the Last Chance Qualifiers due to the focus of talent in Europe yet to have spots. RaVaughn Perkins, in making his World Team debut, surprised many with his four wins in Mongolia finishing just one shy of Rio. Rau & Thielke will both look to knock their way through tough brackets as well. 

Istanbul is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the US making viewing kind of challenging. However, there will be live streams provided on the UWW website. 

Friday, May 6
Greco-Roman (59 kg, 66 kg, 75 kg, 85 kg, 98 kg, 130 kg)
U.S. contestants: Jesse Thielke (59kg), RaVaughn Perkins (66kg), Joe Rau (98 kg)

10:00 a.m. - Qualification rounds and repechage
5:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremony
6:00 p.m. – Finals and Award Ceremonies

Saturday, May 7
Women’s Freestyle (48 kg, 53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 75 kg)
U.S. contestants: Kelsey Campbell (58kg), Tamyra Mensah (69kg)

10:00 a.m. - Qualification rounds and repechage
6:00 p.m. – Finals and Award Ceremonies

Sunday, May 8
Men’s Freestyle (57 kg, 65 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg, 125 kg)
U.S. entries: Frank Molinaro (65 kg)

10:00 a.m. - Qualification rounds and repechage
6:00 p.m. – Finals and Award Ceremonies