“He’s just a kid” – Rademacher on Petriashvili

American wrestler Justin Rademacher became the U20 World Champion in freestyle wrestling in the 97 kg category. The tournament took place in Samokov, Bulgaria, where the 19-year-old delivered one of the best performances of his career, defeating all the main favorites.

Rademacher — the new star of Team USA

The young American is already seen as a possible successor to Olympic champion Kyle Snyder in the senior national team. In 2025 he won the Pan-American Championships both at the senior and junior level, and in August he claimed his first U20 world title.

The road to gold

On his way to the final, Rademacher successively defeated strong European wrestlers:

• In the round of 16 — U17 European champion Ibraim Benekli (Turkey), 17:8;

• In the quarterfinal — decorated Greek wrestler Nikolaos Karavanos, who already competes at the senior level, 9:1;

• In the semifinal — Georgia’s biggest wrestling hope, Konstantine Petriashvili, the younger brother of Olympic champion Geno Petriashvili.

The 17-year-old Petriashvili had already won the U20 European and U17 World Championships, but could not withstand the American — a confident 16:5 victory for Rademacher.

After the match, the American said about his rival:
“Petriashvili is still a kid, and I’m already a man.”

Final against Magomedov

On August 18, Rademacher faced Russia’s Magomedgadzhi Magomedov in the final. An even bout was expected, but the American again proved stronger. He quickly scored 4 points and confidently secured the win — 4:1.

This victory brought Team USA its second gold medal at the U20 World Wrestling Championships.

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025: Day 2 results and first champions