Kylie Welker of the University of Iowa defeated Aspen Barber 2-0 in the best of three series in Colorado Springs, Colorado to make the 2024 U23 World Team at 72kg. Welker won both bouts by a 10-0 tech fall.
The 2024 U23 World Championships are set for Tirana, Albania, October 21-27.
Welker placed fourth at the Olympic Team Trials at 76 kg and made the Senior National Team. As a result she was able to challenge for the 72kg spot on the U23 World Team. 72kg is a non-Olympic weight.
This will be the second U23 World Championships for Welker and fifth trip to a World Championships representing Team USA. Welker won Bronze at the 2021 U23 World Championships and was a 2021 Junior World champion.
Welker won a national title at 170 lbs. and led Iowa to the 2024 NCWWC and National Duals titles in the first year of competition for the program.
Welker, originally from Franksville, Wisconsin (Waterford Union HS), was the first recruit to commit to the Iowa Women’s Wrestling program.
In April Welker was named as the 2024 NCAA Women’s Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat.
U23 Women’s World Team Wrestle-Offs
72 kg – Bout One – Kylie Welker tech. fall Aspen Barber, 10-0
72 kg – Bout Two – Kylie Welker tech. fall Aspen Barber, 10-0
2024 U23 World Championships will be in Tirana, Albania, October 21-27.
It is great to be an Iowa Wrestling fan.
Go Hawks!
