Omania to Represent Team USA in 2022 U23 World Wrestling Championships

PONTEVEDRA, Spain – Michigan State redshirt junior wrestler Peyton Omania will represent the United States in the 2022 U23 World Championships in the 67kg Greco-Roman weight class. Omania begins wrestling at Pavillon Municipal dos Deportes de Pontevedra in Spain on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and would conclude work on Wednesday, Oct. 19, pending advancement.

“I am very much excited for Peyton as he represents the United States, Michigan State and himself on the world stage,” Michigan State head wrestling coach Roger Chandler said. “He is a world-class wrestler, and he has big goals for himself. He has made every age level world team throughout his career from cadet to junior to senior to U23. He has the expreience and knows what to expect at this level. The biggest thing for him is that he has to have fun out there and embrace the moment. If he does that, then great things are going to happen for him over the next couple of days.”

“I’m just working on being present and enjoying the opportunities,” Omania expressed. “Every time I feel like I’m having a good tournament, it’s usually because I’m just being a kid; going out there having fun and scoring points. I think if I can get back into that mindset and just enjoy my time out there, then anything could be possible. It’s an incredible honor to represent my country on the world stage like this. This is why you do it. It’s not just about wrestling, it’s about coming halfway around the world and meeting new people and building relationships. This is more than just a wrestling tournament. This is truly something special.”

Omania has built a significant track record as one of America’s premier wrestlers on the world stage. The Concord, California, native won two-straight U23 National crowns, and won a bronze medal at the 2019 Junior Worlds in Greco-Roman. He captured the 67kg gold medal at the 2020 U23 Greco-Roman championships at Omaha, Nebraska, and will look to continue his track record of success in the class this week in Spain. Omania became the first Spartan wrestler to earn a World medal since Franklin Gomez took silver at the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul. Omania defeated Xin Huang of China in the bronze medal match, 6-5, jumping out to quick 4-0 lead and holding on to collect the medal.

“He’s ready for this tournament, and he’s been training and preparing for this for a while,” assistant coach Chris Williams said. “He’s excited and feels good, so I think he has a good opportunity here. Peyton is a fierce competitor. He loves to compete, and it really doesn’t matter what style it is. He brings a lot of energy to our team, and he has a huge personality that is a lot of fun to be around. Peyton can compete in every style and he’s going to give you everything he’s got every time.”

United World Wrestling is the highest governing body of wrestling in the world and is the sponsor and organizer of the U23 World Wrestling Championships. The mission of United World Wrestling is to promote and develop Wrestling in all its styles on all continents, with core values ​​of unity, passion and integrity.

Omania will begin wrestling at 4:30 am (ET) against Aleksander Mielewczyk of Poland, and will continue competition throughout the day, pending advancement. The finals of the U23 World Wrestling Championships 67kg weight class are scheduled for noon (ET) on Wednesday, Oct.

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