Former Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford withdrawals from Olympic bronze chase due to ‘medical precaution’
Former Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford’s Olympics are over earlier than expected. The Nittany Lion Wrestling Club and Team USA member lost his opening round match in the men’s freestyle 65-kilogram division to Rahman Amouzadkhali of Iran 8-0 on Saturday morning. That meant he needed Amouzadkhali to make it to Sunday’s gold medal match to be pulled back into the chase for a bronze medal via repechage, or what is essentially the consolation bracket of International wrestling. That happened, as the Iranian will go for first on Sunday. Retherford, however, will no longer go for bronze.
According to a USA Wrestling news release, Retherford is withdrawing from the tournament for medical reasons.
“Zain Retherford, the U.S. Olympian at 65 kg in men’s freestyle wrestling, has withdrawn from the competition in Paris as a medical precaution after sustaining a head injury during Saturday’s tournament,” the statement said.
“Retherford suffered a concussion while training in preparation for the Olympic Games and had recovered prior to the competition. During his bout against Amouzadkhali, his injury symptoms returned. With support of his coaches and in consultation with medical staff, the decision was made for Retherford to withdraw from the tournament. Following the decision, Retherford expressed his gratitude to the Team USA fans, coaches, support staff and his family for the continued support and encouragement during this time.”
Retherford had a chance to be the second former Nittany Lion to earn a medal after Aaron Brooks won third at 86 kilograms on Friday. The reigning 70 kilogram World champ, Retherford dropped to the Olympic weight of 65 kilograms during this cycle and beat fellow former Penn State star Nick Lee to earn a spot on Team USA.
More Penn State and NLWC results at the Olympics
Five Nittany Lion Wrestling Club members competed in the men’s freestyle division. Brooks took bronze at 86 kilograms. Kyle Dake won bronze at 74 kilograms. Roman Bravo-Young, competing for Team Mexico, lost in his first match and was quickly out of the 57-kilogram tournament.
Retherford (65 kilograms) is of course now out of the tournament. Kyle Snyder (97) goes for bronze on Sunday.
Penn State will now focus its time on getting ready for the 2024-2025 college wrestling season. It starts in November. The Nittany Lions will look to defend their NCAA team title while replacing some starters from the 2023-2024 season. Blue-White Illustrated will have more coverage on that as the first match approaches.
