2005 World Championships Budapest - Men’s Freestyle

The travel was good, the hotel accommodations were fine, the arena was great, but the wrestling was not so good. I’m not talking about the American's performance as much as I ‘m talking about the product.

Two bronze medals were below expectations, but sometimes you take what you get and figure out how to do better, you also don’t want this to happen after or obviously the reasons for this type of performance aren’t being solved. Analyzing the issues correctly or at least thinking so in the best manner possible is crucial so one doesn’t end up in the same position next time. Joe Williams medaled and Tolly Thompson did the same. Ending on a positive note with Tolly helped make the final outcome more rewarding. But enough of that, for the product is what is necessary to be good, if not great, to help with the enhancement of the sport.

I’ve been to 29 World and Olympic Championships and this is the first one I came home without learning several new techniques and skills. I attribute this to the lack of having to wrestle under the new rules. Tactics that involve little or no wrestling skills are more the rule, which doesn’t sit well with me. Obviously many others feel the same. Justice was not served to the crowned World Champions in Men’s Freestyle especially the first day because the small crowd.

However, one would have to wonder about justice, for some the final matches looked to be pre-determined. Excuse me...looked? The power of MONEY!!

I want to personally thank Mitch Hull for his work in helping organize many of the details that help make things work well. I’m sure it wasn’t easy!