Four Universality Places for Wrestling Awarded by IOC

By Tim Foley

Corsier-sur-Vevey (May 23) – The Olympic Games Tripartite Commission of the IOC this week announced the appointment of four Universality Places for athletes competing in wrestling events at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The selection includes wrestlers from Cambodia, Haiti, Honduras and Palau.

“Wrestling is a worldwide sport and these athletes will make the most of their opportunity in Rio,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “The Universality program gives Olympic opportunity, and hope, to nations who otherwise may not have it.”

The commission awards 110 places in 16 individual sports, which are then made available for allocation to all eligible National Olympic Committees  

Asnage CASTELLY (HAI) will enter the 74kg in men’s freestyle along with Skilang Florian TEMENGIL (PLW) at 125kg. In women’s wrestling Sotheara CHOV (CAM) and Brenda Yamlyeth BAILEY GOMEZ (HON) will both be entered at 48kg.

The four Tripartite spots are a supplement to the 114 Greco-Roman, 108 women’s wrestling and 114 men’s freestyle positions earned during qualification. Four additional spots, typically reserved for the host country, will be determined by the Tripartite Commission and have yet to be decided.