U.S. Women’s Freestyle Learns Paths to Gold at 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial

BUDAPEST, Hungary – The U.S. women’s freestyle team has received its opening-round draws for the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial in Budapest, Hungary. The U.S. will maximize its tournament participation by entering 12 athletes in eight weight classes, all of which will be contested at BOK Hall beginning July 16.

Women’s freestyle begins on July 16 with the 50 kg and 55 kg brackets, followed by the remaining weight classes on July 17.

Lovett, Lewan Win Medals at Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Ridge Lovett, who was the Idaho winner of the National Wrestling Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 2019, and Will Lewan reached the podium on day one of the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial, the fourth United World Wrestling Ranking Series event of the year. Lovett won gold at 70 kg, while Lewan claimed bronze at 74 kg, closing Wednesday’s men’s freestyle action at BOK Hall in Budapest, Hungary.

Lovett cruised through the 70 kg bracket, earning shutouts in two of his three wins on the way another international title.

Lewan made quick work of Türkiye’s Muhammed Besir in his medal match, earning a fall in just under two minutes.

Lovett, Lewan Reach Medal Rounds at Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Ridge Lovett, who was the Idaho winner of the National Wrestling Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 2019, headlined the U.S. men’s freestyle contingent in session one of the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial on Wednesday in Budapest, Hungary, earning two wins to reach the 70 kg gold-medal match. Will Lewan pushed through the repechage to the 74 kg bronze-medal bout.

Men’s freestyle medal matches are set for Wednesday’s second session, beginning at 6 p.m. local time/12 p.m. ET at BOK Hall. Lovett will face Georgia’s Akaki Kemertelidze for 70 kg gold, and Lewan will meet 2024 U23 World champion Muhammed Besir of Turkey for bronze at 74 kg.

Episode 8 of 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 Now Available

Episode 8 of 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 is now available featuring Quentin Wright, who was the first NCAA champion under Coach Cael Sanderson at Penn State.

Host Shane Sparks helps share the story behind the success, the mindset that built a champion, and the moments that helped start one of wrestling's current dynasties.

More than a conversation, 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 is a look inside the culture, the grind and the legacy of our great sport.

Register Now for 2026 Downstate New York Induction Ceremony & Dinner

The Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2026 on Sunday, September 20 at the Marriott Melville Long Island in Melville, New York.

New Book Examines Life of Oregon Prep Wrestling Sensation Cox

A new book for wrestling fans, Seeking Kenny, has arrived, fittingly in time for the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals. The story examines the life of Oregon prep wrestling star Kenny Cox, who was a five-time Junior Nationals champion in Fargo, N.D. and the Oregon winner of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 1997. 

U.S. Women’s Freestyle Collects Seven Medals at Grand Prix of Spain

MADRID, Spain – 2026 U23 Pan American champions Nina Makem and Alexandira Alli led the U.S. women’s freestyle team at the Grand Prix of Spain with falls to secure their gold medals on Saturday at Pabellón Central Consejo Superior de Deportes.

Marissa Gallegos, Caley Graber and Taylor Whiting are all winners of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award.

In the team standings, the U.S. finished second with 135 points, only behind Canada, which compiled 148 points. Germany rounded out the top three with 81 points.

The Grand Prix of Spain wraps up on Sunday with men’s freestyle. Antonio Tolbert and Mekhi Lewis will represent the U.S. in the division. Competition begins at 10 a.m. local time, 4 a.m. ET.

Snyder Pins Sadulaev; Dake, Maroulis Retain Belts at RAF Georgia

TBILISI, Georgia – Five-time World and Olympic champion Kyle Snyder headlined Real American Freestyle Georgia with a pin against eight-time World and Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev to retain the men’s light heavyweight title. The first international RAF card also featured fellow Americans Kyle Dake and Helen Maroulis retaining their championship belts.

Henry Cejudo and Jake Varner are Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame while Zach Elam, Brock Hardy and Zain Retherford are winners of the Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award.