Team USA claimed the men’s freestyle team title at the 2025 U17 World Wrestling Championships with a thrilling final-session performance that delivered three gold medals and a decisive bronze at the Ano Liosia Olympic Hall.

Going into the final day of competition, the Americans needed to win every remaining match to keep their title hopes alive. Rising to the occasion, Keegan Bassett (45 kg), Samuel Sanchez (51 kg), and Jayden James (71 kg) each captured gold, while Tanner Hodgins (92 kg) earned a crucial bronze medal that tipped the standings in the United States’ favor.

Bassett sets the tone

Keegan Bassett opened the session with an emphatic statement, pinning Iran’s Parsa Tahmasbi in the first period to secure the title. Bassett struck early with a clean go-behind and transition to exposure, quickly jumping to a 4-0 lead. Moments later, he drove his opponent to the mat and ended the match with a fall. It was a dominant conclusion to a flawless tournament run.

Sanchez defends his crown

Samuel Sanchez became a two-time U17 World Champion with a composed and tactical 5-2 victory over Ulugbek Rashidov of Uzbekistan, another returning champion. Sanchez took a 1-0 lead after Rashidov was put on the activity clock and successfully challenged a controversial takedown late in the first period. In the final minute, Sanchez was placed on the clock but responded with a takedown at the edge, sealing the win and his second straight gold.

World Wrestling Championships – Greece 2025 (PIC: USA Wrestling)

James controls the mat

Jayden James added another highlight to Team USA’s golden run by defeating Arsham Mostafa of Iran, 9-2. James controlled the pace throughout the match, earning points from a passivity call, a step out, and three clean takedowns. His use of the underhook and aggressive positioning kept Mostafa on the defensive, helping James secure his first U17 world title.

Hodgins delivers when it matters most

Tanner Hodgins’ journey to bronze proved essential for the team title. After an early-round loss, he bounced back with three straight wins, including a dominant 10-0 technical fall over Georgia’s Elguja Lomidze in the medal bout. His podium finish provided the critical points Team USA needed to surpass its closest rivals in the team standings.

Other podium finishes also contributed significantly to the Americans’ success. Ariah Mills (48 kg) earned a gold medal earlier in the tournament, Arseni Kikiniou (65 kg) took silver, and Grey Burnett (60 kg) claimed bronze. These performances helped build the foundation for Team USA’s title-winning campaign.

The victory not only highlighted the talent emerging from the U.S. developmental pipeline but also demonstrated the team’s depth and resilience across multiple weight categories. It was a collective triumph built on individual brilliance, strategic preparation, and unwavering determination.