Greco News

Monday Roundup: January Camp ’25; France GP Results

By 5PM Staff

Posted on January 20, 2025

zholaman sharshenbekov, 60 kg, kgz, two-time world champion

Zholaman Sharshenbekov -- Photo: Tony Rotundo

Today began the 2025 “January Camp” at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Most of the nation’s top athletes are in attendance as well as several competitors from outside of the US, including two-time World Champion/’24 Olympic bronze Zholaman Sharshenbekov (60 kg) of Kyrgyzstan.

not all roads lead to gold, parent edition, jim gruenwald

The annual winter camp at the OTC typically serves as a launch pad for US Seniors prior to the main part of each competitive season. The majority of events occur following the flip of the calendar and ’25 is no different. Upon the conclusion of this year’s camp, a large delegation of Americans will make their way to Croatia in advance of the Grand Prix Zagreb Open, the first of four United World Wrestling “Ranking Series” tournaments that will be held leading up to the World Championships. When the Zagreb GP wraps, a multi-national camp in CRO comes next; February will bring the Armed Forces Championships (though that event is limited to servicemembers only); in March, another camp at the OTC is on the schedule, and the latter part of April will avail the World Team Trials in Vegas.

US National Team head coach Herb House will be on the record this week to discuss January Camp details in addition to other relevant items of interest surrounding the program.

Grand Prix of France Results

The ’25 Grand Prix of France got underway in Nice. Overall turnout was not high. 55 kilograms was uncontested and 130 (heavyweight) had only one competitor. In total, there were 72 entrants for Greco in Nice.

But it sure was another banner showing for Ukraine. Just as they had at the Bill Farrell Memorial in November, Ukraine fairly well dominated the medal stands, coming away with five champions, two silvers, and one bronze. Among the gold medalists for Ukraine was two-time Olympic silver Parviz Nasibov (72 kg), who defeated Matias Lipasti (FIN) in the final.

Team Sweden also stood tall at the Grand Prix. Young Niklas Oehlen prevailed at 67 kg over tough and experienced Oleksander Hrushyn (UKR) to capture gold, his second tournament victory of the season. Oehlen’s first title came in his home country’s Haparanda Cup, which was also his first Senior gold, period. Earning gold for SWE as well was Alexander Vafai (63 kg). Overall, Sweden had seven medalists (two champs, three silvers, and two bronze).