This year’s US Nationals means almost everything to the pursuit of an Olympic team. The top five finishers in six Olympic weights qualify for the 2024 Olympic Trials. A wrestler who has already qualified for the Olympic Trials could knock another wrestler out of a spot if she places in the top five. 

The United States has qualified three of six weights for the 2024 Olympic Games with two remaining opportunities to qualify the remaining three. Below is a breakdown of each weight and who is sitting in the best-of-three finals at the Olympic Trials.

Click here for a full list of entrants

50 kilograms (Qualified), Sarah Hildebrandt in best-of-three finals

This should be the deepest and most competitive weight of the six. Several high school and college stars join a strong group of established veterans.

Erin Golston has already qualified for the final trials so she could derail to hopes of another wrestler in the field. Golston is a consistent winner who is a member of this year’s National Team, so there’s a strong chance she places in the top five.

University of Iowa teammates Emilie Gonzalez (101), Ava Bayless (109), and Brianna Gonzalez (116) are all entered at 50 kg (approximately 110 pounds) and could face each other at some point during the tournament.

Emily Shilson, an undefeated five-time college national champion (one WCWA, four NCWWC) with three age-level World championships, will be a factor, as will the 35-year-old Alyssa Lampe — a two-time World bronze medalist (2012-13).

Many of the college stars have either won or reached the national collegiate level finals (NAIA, NWWC, or WCWA), including Samara Chavez, Charlotte Fowler, Jaslynn Gallegos, Alleah Gould, Sage Mortimer, Mia Palumbo, and Nina Pham. That’s in addition to several college All-Americans and age-level World champion Erica Pastoriza who typically competes at 101 in college. 

Grand View assistant Arelys Valles is also entered following a solid third place at the Bill Farrell Memorial International. There’s no shortage of talent here. 

53 kilograms (Not Qualified)

Olympian Haley Augello, 29, returned to competition following a four-year layoff. She’ll have plenty of competition with a crop of young wrestlers who have already made an impact at this weight. 

Katie Gomez won this year’s US Open and has made four age-level World teams, including 2021 Cadet gold. Lauren Mason, Areana Villaescusa, Caitlyn Thorne, and Vayle Baker are also top contenders who have a legitimate shot at the top five. High school star Clare Booe is ranked #2 in the FloWrestling Class of 2024 Big Board and has had success during college-level competition. 

57 kilograms (Qualified), Helen Marouis in best-of-three finals

Jacarra Winchester is a 2019 World champion who won a silver medal at 55 kg earlier this year. She made the 2020 Olympic team at 53 kilograms and has already earned a semifinal berth at this year’s Olympic Trials. 

Winchester is the class of the field but there are a handful of wrestlers who could push her. Xochitil Mota-Pettis won the US Open this year and finished second at the Bill Farrell Memorial International. 

Here’s the kicker: both have qualified for the Olympic Trials and both have a legitimate chance to reach the finals. Cameron Guerin, Alex Hedrick, Bridgette Duty, Marissa Gallegos, Amanda Martinez, Sophia Mirabella, Cristelle Rodriguez, and Shelby Moore will fight for the remaining three spots if that happens. 

62 kilograms (Not Qualified)

There’s no favorite here with lots of wrestlers vying for the top spot. Abby Nette was a 2022 World teamer at 59 kg who defeated Lexie Basham at Final X to make the team. Both are entered and could meet again at some point during the tournament. 

Jackie Cataline, 35, was a former senior national team member who faced Adeline Gray in the 2015 World Team Trials finals. She recently competed at the Bill Farrell Memorial International at 68 kg but is dropping down. 

Iowa’s Nanea Estrella won a US Open title last year at 59 kg and could face teammate Esther Han at some point. Aine Drury, SaVannah Cosme, Skylar Hattendorf, Maya Letona, Ashlynn Ortega, Ana Luciano, and Sarah Savidge are part of a competitive field. 

68 kilograms (Not Qualified)

There’s a good chance that Mallory Velte will block a wrestler from the Olympic Trials. Velte has two World bronze medals at lower weights and recently won the Bill Farrell Memorial International.

This is her weight to win,  but she will have competition. Two-time age-level World medalist Alara Boyd returns after surgery over the summer so this will test her readiness. Kaylynn Albrecht won an NAIA title for Baker earlier this year, national finalist Cheyenne Bowman is dropping down from 170, and Solin Piearcy has been a mainstay at the weight after winning a college title for Menlo.

Dalia Garibay, a two-time NCWWC finalist for Colorado Mesa, and Marilyn Garcia will also be in the mix. 

76 kilograms (Qualified), Adeline Gray in best-of-three finals

Kylie Welker is a late scratch so Final Xers Skylar Grote and Precious Wieser are the favorites to reach the finals. Iowa’s Marlynne Deede and Rose Cassioppi have a good chance at the top five. Brooklyn Hays is on the national team at 72 kilograms, but watch out for Love Daley. She could surprise a few people. This is a smaller bracket so round-one wins are crucial. 

Women’s Freestyle Event Schedule

Friday, Dec. 15
10 a.m. – Prelims, Quarterfinals, Consolations (WFS 50-53-57 kg)

4 p.m. – Semifinals, Consolations (WFS 50-53-57 kg)

Saturday, Dec. 16
10 a.m. – Consolations, Placement Matches (WFS 50-53-57 kg), Prelims, Quarterfinals, Consolations (WFS 62-68-76 kg)

4 p.m. – Semifinals, Consolations (WFS 62-68-76 kg)

7 p.m. – Finals (WFS 50-53-57 kg)

Sunday, Dec. 17
10 a.m. – Consolations, Placement Matches (WFS 62-68-76 kg)

1 p.m. – Finals (WFS 62-68-76 kg)

-- All times are Central Standard