After training for one month in Korea, Elgin left travelled with John Tarkong Jr. to represent Palau at the 2005 World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
In the 55kg freestyle weight class Elgin first wrestled Jang, Jae-Hoon of Korea in freestyle. During the first period, Elgin did very well and wrestled Jang throughout the 2 minute period but Jang scored 3 points on Elgin with a takedown and won the first period. During the second period Elgin did very well trying his moves and defending attacks from Jang but Jang was able to score 6 points to win the second period and match. Korea went on to wrestle Belarus and win, but later losing to Japan in the quarterfinals. Out of 30 wrestlers Elgin was able to rank 27th in the 55kg weight class. Germany was ranked 26th over Palau while Libya was ranked 28th, Spain 29th and Qatar 30th. Overall, Elgin did very well in freestyle considering this was his first World Championship event.
Elgin also wrestled in the 55kg Greco Roman Style. Elgin wrestled Amoyan, Roman of Armenia. Since the rules for Greco-Roman Style vary somewhat from Freestyle, our plan was to get the first point within the first few seconds of the match and during the 1st minute in standing position. I knew that the Armenian wrestler was strong in the ground positions but our plan was to come in aggressive and try as many offensive moves in the match. Elgin went in and did exactly that. Armenia and Elgin moved around for a while on the mat fighting for control over one another then tried an arm throw and Armenia countered and tried to tackle but Elgin countered and came behind for a takedown. Elgin tried to roll his opponent but the referee brought them back up to the standing position. After the 1st minute of the match, wrestlers went to the ground position were Elgin was put into the Par Te position. Armenia was able to lift and roll Elgin and score 3 points on Elgin thus winning the first period.
During the 2nd period of the match, Elgin and Amoyan wrestled in the standing position. Armenia came out strong and took Elgin for a takedown and a roll scoring 3 points and another roll for 2 points thus winning the match.
Elgin did very well and performed at his best. His training paid off even though was only able to remain in Korea for 1 month. I believe that his performance at the World Championships will give him the confidence to do even better next time around at any tournament or Championship event.
BWF would like to thank our sponsors who helped with the travel and preparations for the Championships. Special thanks goes to PNOC for their continued support and hard work, the Korean Wrestling Federation for allowing Elgin to train in Korea prior to the Championships, Koror Wholesalers, and Toribiong & Coughlin for their support as well. Also, special thanks to Wayne Wong and staff from the Palau Embassy in Washington D.C. for assisting us with our visas. BWF also owes a special thanks to FILA for their assistance in assisting with the reimbursement for the cost of travel and accommodations that was later reimbursed to our NOC.
Last Modified on 24/01/2006 17:19