So finally the mystery is solved. Two time World Champion and Olympic medallist Jaden Cox has ended various theories and speculations to announce that he is moving to 97kg weight category for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In an interview to USA Wrestling, Cox made it clear that instead of moving down to 87kg from 92kg, he will be playing in 97kg in the Olympic year.
“It was a tough decision but exciting one. I have decided to play in 97kg. There is lot of talent in the category. Olympic and World Champ Kyle Snyder will be the big test, but I am up for it” said Cox to USA Wrestling.
Two-time World champion and Olympic bronze medalist J’den Cox had been the center of attention these past few months as the wrestling world was eager to find out what weight he will go for the 2020 Olympic year. Over the last two years, Cox has won World titles in men’s freestyle at 92 kg, however, 92 kg is a non-Olympic weight, forcing Cox to decide between 86 kg and 97 kg for the 2020 season.
Both weight classes feature heavy hitters from the USA, including 2018 World champ at 86 kg, David Taylor and 2016 Olympic champ and two-time World champ at 97 kg, Kyle Snyder.
Now to make it to the USA Olympic team, Cox has to put across Snyder which means one of the regining world medallist will fail to make it to the Tokyo 2020. Not only this, 97kg category also boasts of the likes of Under 23 World champion Bo Nickal. In case Cox can put across Snyder and company in the US Olympic trials slated in April, in the Tokyo Olympics he will be seen challenging Olympic and world champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev.
“I am aware Sadulaev will be huge challenge and so will be Sharifov. But the stage I am in my life, I am looking for challenges, bigger challenges – so it will be interesting”, said Cox in the interview.
It is worth mentioning that courtesy Snyder’s bronze medal at 2019 world championship, USA already has secured license for Tokyo Olympics in 97kg category. Now It will be interesting to watch Cox vs Snyder battle at pre-olympic trials by USA Wrestling, unfortunately one of the champion will miss out on Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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