Minneapolis, MN — United World Wrestling, the international governing body for Olympic wrestling, recognized Minnesota Storm heavyweight, Tony Nelson this week in their latest world rankings. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who have followed Tony’s career to see his name included among the world’s best freestyle wrestlers. As a Gopher, he compiled one of the best careers in school history. Now, the two-time NCAA National Champion, three-time finalist, and four-time NCAA all-American is making waves on the world stage.
Photo by @Flowrestling
Tony captured his second gold medal of the season competing in Ukraine last month. He also came away with a gold medal in the Bill Farrell International earlier in the year.
In light of Tony’s goals for this season, it may not mean very much to him to be ranked among the best in the world. But, moving into the top 20 in the world is no small feat. The recognition is well-deserved. It may also be motivating for Tony as he looks to catch and pass those around him in the rankings.
Tony will compete next in the U.S. Open Freestyle National Championships in Las Vegas, April 27-29.
United World Wrestling Rankings (125 kg/275 lbs) for April, 2017
Rio 2016 bronze medalist Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) repeated as European U23 champion but remains second-ranked behind world and Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR).
1. Taha AKGUL (TUR) – Rio OG No.1 (1)
2. Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) – Rio OG No.3 (2)
3. Komeil GHASEMI (IRI) – Rio OG No.2 (3)
4. Alan KHUGAEV (RUS) – Yasar Dogu No.1 (5)
5. Alen ZASIEIEV (UKR) – GGP Final No.2 (6)
6. Muradin KUSHKOV (RUS) – Kunaev Int’l No.1 (8)
7. Baldan TSYSHIPOV (RUS) – Buryatia Cup No.1 (9)
8. Ibragim SAIDOV (BLR) – Rio OG No.3 (4)
9. Daniel LIGETI (HUN) – Ukraine Int’l No.2 (13)
10. Robert BARAN (POL) – Europe No.2 (12)
11. Jamalladin MAGOMEDOV (AZE) – World Cup No.3 (11)
12. Levan BERIANIDZE (ARM) – Rio OG No.5 (7)
13. Vitali PIASNIAK (BLR) – European U23 No.2 (nr)
14. Muhamadgazi MAGOMEDOV (RUS) – Buryatia Cup No.2 (nr)
15. Tervel DLAGNEV (USA) – Rio OG No.5 (10)
16. Vladislav BAITSAEV (RUS) – Kunaev Int’l No.2 (14)
17. Yadollah MOHEBBI (IRI) – GGP Final No.3 (15)
18. Dominique BRADLEY (USA) – Schultz Memorial No.1 (17)
19. Anthony NELSON (USA) – Ukraine Int’l No.1 (nr)
20. Aleksander KHOTSIANIVSKI (UKR) – Ukraine Int’l No.3 (nr)