Austin Gomez

Austin Gomez
Personal information
Full nameAustin Klee Gomez
Born (1998-03-19) March 19, 1998 (age 26)
Carol Stream, Illinois, U.S.
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Sport
Country United States (2013–2021)
 Mexico (2022–present)
SportWrestling
Weight class65 kg (143 lb)
Event(s)Freestyle and Folkstyle
College teamMichigan Wolverines
ClubCliff Keen Wrestling Club
Coached bySean Bormet
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing  Mexico
Grand Prix
Gold medal – first place 2022 Mexico City 70 kg
Mexico National Championships
Gold medal – first place 2023 Oaxaca 65 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Michigan Wolverines
NCAA Division I Championships
Silver medal – second place 2024 Kansas City 149 lb
Big Ten Championships
Silver medal – second place 2024 College Park 149 lb
Representing the Wisconsin Badgers
Big Ten Championships
Gold medal – first place 2022 Lincoln 149 lb
Representing the Iowa State Cyclones
Big 12 Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2019 Tulsa 133 lb

Austin Klee Gomez (born March 19, 1998) is a Mexican-American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler who competes at 65 kilograms.[1] In freestyle, he represented Mexico at the 2024 Summer Olympics and is a Mexico National champion.[2]

In folkstyle, Gomez was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American, placing second in 2024 out of the University of Michigan and fourth in 2022 out of the University of Wisconsin.[3]

Career

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High school

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Gomez started wrestling around the age of four years old, and went on to attend Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois, where he became a three-time state champion before graduating in 2017.[4] One of the top-recruits in the country, Gomez was a multiple-time U17 US National champion and a Pan American champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.[5]

Before his junior season, Gomez committed to wrestle for the Iowa State Cyclones.[6] Before going off to college, Gomez placed second at the U20 US World Team Trials.[7]

Iowa State University

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2017–2018

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Gomez competed under a redshirt during his first season, grabbing titles from the Willie Myers Open, the Duhawk Open and the Sioux City Dave Edmonds Open and recording a 8–0 record.[8]

After the season, Gomez grabbed the U20 US National title and improved from a runner-up finish from 2017 to a first-place finish at the U20 US World Team Trials in freestyle.[9] However, he decided against competing at the U20 World Championships due to a knee injury.[8]

2018–2019

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During regular season, Gomez won the Lindenwood Open and placed second at the Southern Scuffle, before a third-place finish at the Big 12 Conference to qualify for the NCAA tournament.[10] At the tournament, Gomez went 4–2 though was unable to place, closing off the year at 24–7.[11]

2019–2020

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Gomez was unable to compete during 2019–2020 due to injury, using a medical redshirt.[12] In October 2020, Gomez competed at the US National Championships, where he suffered an injury in a first round loss and forfeited his next match.[13] In December 2020, Gomez made the decision to retire from the sport due to recurrent concussions and injuries, at the age of 22.[14][15]

University of Wisconsin

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2021–2022

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After a brief retirement, Gomez entered the transfer portal in April, and in May, he committed to wrestle for the Wisconsin Badgers.[16][17] Up at 149 pounds, Gomez became the Big Ten Conference champion before becoming an All-American with a fourth-place finish at the NCAA National tournament, closing out the year at 23–4.[18]

2022–2023

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On November, Gomez competed for Mexico at the Mexico All-Star Grand Prix, winning gold at 70 kilograms and defeating Olympian Agustín Destribats in the finals.[19]

During regular season, Gomez held a 10–2 dual meet record, notably defeating three-time NCAA champion Yianni Diakomihalis early in the year though suffering an injury during his last meet which resulted in a loss.[20] After a first round upset loss, Gomez was forced to default out of his second match due to injury at the Big Ten Championships, though receiving an at-large berth to qualify for the NCAA tournament.[21] At the national tournament, Gomez went 2–2 and was unable to repeat as an All-American, closing out the year at 12–6.[22]

A week after folkstyle season was over, Gomez became a Mexico National champion, with notable victories over three-time Pan American medalist Brandon Díaz and Outstanding Wrestler honors.[23] In May, Gomez competed at the Pan American Championships, but was eliminated by Colombia in the first round.[24]

In September, Gomez competed at the World Championships, where after defeating India's Anuj Kumar, he was eliminated by two-time NCAA Division I National champion Nick Lee.[25]

University of Michigan

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2023–2024

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After graduating from Wisconsin in the spring, Gomez announced 2022–2023 had been his final season of collegiate wrestling, however, he entered the transfer portal in October, and in December, his petition for another year of eligibility was approved by the NCAA.[26] Days later, Gomez announced his commitment to the Michigan Wolverines, and went 7–1 in dual meets for them during regular season.[27][28]

To start off March, Gomez switched to freestyle in an attempt to qualify Mexico for the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament.[29] After a quick victory over Chile, Gomez avenged his loss from the World Championships and defeated Pan American champion Nick Lee in a high-scoring match to advance to the qualification match.[30] In the semifinals, Gomez defeated Lachlan McNeil to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics, and the finals of the tournament were not wrestled.[31]

Back to folkstyle for the post-season, Gomez placed as a runner-up at the Big Ten Conference Championships and claimed the sixth-seed at the NCAA tournament.[32] After defeating three-time All-American Kyle Parco to cruise to the finals, he fell to Caleb Henson to place as a runner-up and become a two-time All-American, closing out the year at 13–3 and ending his collegiate career.[3]

Post-collegiate career

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2024

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In June, Gomez competed at the Polyák Imre & Varga János Ranking Series, where he won one match while losing three to place fifth.[33]

In August, Gomez made his Olympic debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he was eliminated in the first round by three-time World champion Haji Aliyev from Azerbaijan, who failed to advance in the tournament.[34]

Freestyle record

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Senior Freestyle Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
2024 Summer Olympics 12th at 65 kg
Loss 13–7 Azerbaijan Haji Aliyev 0–7 August 8, 2024 2024 Summer Olympics

France Paris, France

2024 Polyák Imre & Varga János Ranking Series 5th at 65 kg
Loss 13–6 Azerbaijan Haji Aliyev 3–12 June 6, 2024 2024 Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial Tournament

Hungary Budapest, Hungary

Loss 13–5 Japan Kotaro Kiyooka 6–12
Win 13–4 Hungary György Szilágyi TF 10–0
Loss 12–4 Iran Abbas Ebrahimzade 2–7
2024 Pan American Olympic Qualification 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 12–3 Canada Lachlan McNeil 6–3 March 1, 2024 2024 Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament

Mexico Acapulco, Mexico

Win 11–3 United States Nick Lee TF 22–12
Win 10–3 Chile Matias Muñoz TF 10–0
2023 World Championships 22nd at 65 kg
Loss 9–3 United States Nick Lee Fall September 18, 2023 2023 World Championships

Serbia Belgrade, Serbia

Win 9–2 India Anuj Kumar 8–7
2023 Pan American Championships 18th at 65 kg
Loss 8–2 Colombia Uber Cuero TF 0–11 May 3–6, 2023 2023 Pan American Continental Championships

Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina

2023 Campeonato Nacional 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 8–1 Mexico Brandon Díaz TF 10–0 March 25, 2023 2023 Mexican Campeonato Nacional

Mexico Oaxaca, Mexico

Win 7–1 Mexico TF 10–0
Win 6–1 Mexico Carlos Lizarraga TF 10–0
Win 5–1 Mexico Brandon Díaz TF 15–4
Win 4–1 Mexico Diego Olvera TF 12–2
2022 All-Star Grand Prix 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 3–1 Argentina Agustin Destribats TF 14–4 November 22, 2022 2022 Mexico All-Star Grand Prix

Mexico Mexico City, Mexico

Win 2–1 Mexico Victor Dominguez TF 10–0
Win 1–1 Mexico Jesus Doroteo Rivas Fall
2020 US Nationals DNP at 65 kg
Loss United States Michael Jaffe FF October 13, 2020 2020 US National Championships

United States Coralville, Iowa

Loss 0–1 United States Jaden Abas TF 2–12

References

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  1. ^ "@fullname - Wrestling". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  2. ^ admin. "Cliff Keen WC Adds Gomez to Freestyle Roster". Cliff Keen Wrestling Club. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Gomez, Davison Advance to NCAA Finals; U-M Sits Second in Team Standings at NCAA Championships". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  4. ^ Cuellar, Chris. "Cyclones getting gritty star in lightweight recruit Austin Gomez". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  5. ^ "Austin Gomez - Wrestling". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  6. ^ says, Nationally Ranked Kanen Storr Commits to Cyclones | (September 18, 2015). "Austin Gomez Commits to Iowa State". IAwrestle. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  7. ^ Cuellar, Chris. "Cyclones getting gritty star in lightweight recruit Austin Gomez". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Goodwin, Cody. "Iowa State's Austin Gomez will not compete at the Junior World Championships". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  9. ^ Goodwin, Cody. "Inspired by the death of his younger brother, Iowa State's Austin Gomez makes Junior World Team". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  10. ^ Goodwin, Cody. "'It was a pretty easy decision to stay': Inside Austin Gomez's decision to re-commit to Iowa State". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  11. ^ "Cyclones Turn Toward NCAA Wrestling". Iowa State University Athletics. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  12. ^ Mcdaniel, Stephen. "Takeaways: All eyes rest on next wrestling season". Iowa State Daily. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  13. ^ Bray, David (October 5, 2020). "Who's Registered So Far For 2020 Senior Nationals?". FloWrestling. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  14. ^ "Iowa State's Austin Gomez retires from wrestling". www.thegazette.com. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  15. ^ Goodwin, Cody. "Wrestling: Iowa State's Austin Gomez announces retirement after slew of injuries". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  16. ^ "Austin Gomez is Back!". Illinois Matmen. April 9, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  17. ^ Hamilton, Andy (June 2, 2021). "Gomez, Traxler Decide Next Stops". FloWrestling. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  18. ^ "Barnett, Gomez and Hamiti place among top finishers at NCAA Championships". Wisconsin Badgers. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  19. ^ "Five Things to Know: No. 9 Cornell". Wisconsin Badgers. November 19, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  20. ^ "My Words: Ready to go make history". Wisconsin Badgers. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  21. ^ Chakravarthi, Rohan (March 5, 2023). "Wisconsin Wrestling: Badgers qualify 5 to NCAA Championships". Bucky's 5th Quarter. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  22. ^ Chakravarthi, Rohan (March 17, 2023). "Wisconsin Wrestling: Badgers in NCAA Championships". Bucky's 5th Quarter. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  23. ^ admin. "Cliff Keen WC Adds Gomez to Freestyle Roster". Cliff Keen Wrestling Club. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  24. ^ Kozak, Jon (May 6, 2023). "Results For Team USA At The 2023 Pan-Am Wrestling Championships". FloWrestling. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  25. ^ "Monday Session I Blog: Valencia wins repechage, Winchester & Page to semifinals, Lee & Snyder lose in quarterfinals". www.themat.com. September 18, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  26. ^ Rader, J. D. (October 6, 2023). "Austin Gomez Enters Transfer Portal". FloWrestling. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  27. ^ "Gomez Joins Wolverine Program as Grad Transfer for 2023-24". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  28. ^ "Wolverines Rout In-State Rival Spartans in Home Opener". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  29. ^ Paul, Diptarko (March 2, 2024). "NCAA Wrestling Champ Celebrates Paris Olympics 2024 Berth 3 Years After Forced Retirement". EssentiallySports. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  30. ^ "Men's freestyle comes up empty at Pan American Olympic Games Qualifier". www.themat.com. March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  31. ^ "Gomez Qualifies at 65kg Freestyle for 2024 Paris Olympics". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  32. ^ "Wolverines Claim Runner-Up Finish at Big Ten Championships Behind Nine Placewinners". University of Michigan Athletics. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  33. ^ "Parris pins for gold, Garrett earns bronze at Polyak Imre and Varga Janos Memorial". www.themat.com. June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  34. ^ Mediotiempo, Editorial (October 8, 2024). "Austin Gómez, luchador mexicano, eliminado de París 2024". Mediotiempo (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved August 10, 2024.
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