By Sonja Nikcevic, FILA News Bureau
As the last day of competition wrapped up in Zrenjanin, a boy and his international coach prove to be the stars of the show yet again.
While Team USA may have gone into the World Cadet Championships with hope sky high, they had to wait until the final session of day six before they could hear The Star Spangled Banner blare through the Sports Complex in Zrenjanin.
It was sixteen-year-old Aaron Pico from Whittier, Calif., that was the bearer of glory, triumphing over Japan’s Fujinami in a tight 8-6 gold medal match in the men’s 63kg freestyle.
Many claim Pico is the nation’s brightest wrestling talent, and after the superiority and numerous takedowns displayed in Serbia, it’s easy to see why. The sophomore with the trophy and gold medal around his neck agrees that this is one of his proudest moments and that the pressure can get a bit overwhelming at times.
“I’m so happy to be here, as World Cadet Champion, and proud to have been representing my country. There’s always pressure, in wrestling and all sports, every step of the way, and it can get overwhelming if you let it. But that’s exactly what separates the champions from the rest. I know that I can make it, and I know I’m on the right track, all I need to do is stay focused and positive,” claims Pico.
Now, while Aaron is as all-American as they come, there’s a prominent international influence in his winning team, and one that seems to be making a substantial difference.
“My coach for the last four years has been Valentin Kalika from Ukraine, and training with him has improved my game and my confidence to no end. I feel that having his international experience and coaching skills gives me an edge at competitions like this. We’re planning a lot of trips in the coming months, to Ukraine, and possibly Russia and France, to bring my wrestling to an even higher level,” Pico is enthusiastic.
He’s also very clear on what the future holds.
“For now, I’m taking everything in bite-sized pieces. I’m off home to celebrate now, and then it’s time to focus on Juniors, but ultimately, there’s only one goal, an Olympic medal,” says the 63kg Cadet Champion.
Coach Valentin Kalika may not take it easy on Aaron in training, but he’s quick to agree on this one.
“I started working with Aaron when he was only a sixth grader and I told him right off the bat, if we’re going to be a successful team, we need to agree that our biggest goal is the Olympics. In the U.S. a lot of focus is put on collegiate wrestling, and that can often lead kids on another path. I’m here to give him an international focus and help him take his potential all the way,” says Kalika.
He also stressed the importance of having the support of his home country, Ukraine.
“Aaron and I trained with the Ukrainian Olympic wrestling team before the Games in London in 2012, and just being there, talking to the wrestlers and soaking up their experience has helped him improve immensely. We also have great sponsors now and are planning a trip to Kiev and other parts of the country soon.”
Six days in, and it’s time to call the curtain on the World Cadet Championship of 2013. After all the tears, complaints, victories and inspirational moments, one thing is clear – the talent pool for the sport of wrestling is bubbling over.
