Spencer Lee, a former Iowa wrestler and three-time NCAA champion, is one step away from winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after achieving three victories on Thursday morning. With his performance so far, he has secured at least a silver medal in the 57kg weight class, becoming the 11th wrestler from Iowa to Olympic medal. His achievement continues a streak for Hawkeye wrestlers, following Thomas Gilman’s bronze medal in Tokyo.
On Friday, Lee will face Japan’s Rei Higuchi, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist and 2022 World champion. A victory would make Lee the sixth ever from Iowa to claim Olympic gold in wrestling, joining the ranks of notable wrestlers like Ed and Lou Banach, Tom Brands, Randy Lewis, and Terry McCann. Notably, he would be the first Hawkeye to achieve this since Tom Brands won gold in 1996. Brands, who is currently the head coach at Iowa, is also in Lee’s corner for the Olympic matches.
Despite Iowa wrestlers only having one silver at the Olympics, with Barry Davis taking second place in 1984, they hold an impressive overall record of 5-1 in gold medal matches.
Lee began his Olympic journey with a closely contested 3-2 victory over China’s Wanhao Zou. This matchup had historical significance, as Zou had previously challenged Lee in a 10-9 bout during the Last Chance Olympic Qualifier, which Lee narrowly won. However, in their Olympic encounter, Lee’s effective single-leg takedown and push-out secured his victory.
Following the close match against Zou, Lee dominated Bekzat Almaz Uulu from Kyrgyzstan, a U23 World bronze medalist. Uulu initially scored a takedown, but Lee quickly turned the tide, achieving three impressive four-point moves and winning by technical fall with a final score of 12-2.
In the semifinal against Uzbekistan’s Gulomjon Abdullaev, Lee took an early lead with a single-leg takedown. Although a review altered the score during the match, Lee responded swiftly, finishing with a 14-4 technical fall in the first period, thereby ensuring at least a silver medal for both Team USA and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
After his matches, Lee expressed contentment with his performance, stating he felt composed and smart, although he acknowledged the pressure of the Olympics affected his gameplay. He emphasized the need to open up more during matches.
Lee’s par terre offense showcased his skills, scoring a significant portion of his points through gut wrenches and leg laces. These techniques may prove crucial in his upcoming match against Higuchi, who has scored 27 points while allowing only 2 throughout his matches.
The task ahead of Lee is formidable, as he prepares to face a top competitor in Higuchi. The two had attempted to meet earlier this year in Japan, but the meeting did not materialize. Lee has long respected Higuchi since witnessing his 2016 Olympic performance and is eager for their matchup. He stated, “I know he’s really excited for one more as well. I know he doesn’t want silver, but I don’t want silver either. We’re gonna go out there and do our best to put on a show.”