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To start off the year, Retherford defeated Evan Henderson in February at the [[Nittany Lion Wrestling Club#NLWC V|NLWC V]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2021 |title=BEA's Grace Stem wins, former Penn State wrestlers go 3-3 in Nittany Lion Wrestling Club event |url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article249444980.html |website=Centredaily.com}}</ref> Retherford competed at the rescheduled [[2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials (wrestling)|2020 US Olympic Team Trials]] from April 2 to 3 as the top–seed in an attempt of representing the [[United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Penn State Wrestling and the NLWC Ready for 2021 Olympic Team Trials Friday and Saturday |url=https://gopsusports.com/news/2021/4/1/penn-state-wrestling-and-the-nlwc-ready-for-2021-olympic-team-trials-friday-and-saturday.aspx |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=Penn State University Athletics |date=April 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He knocked off two–time Pan American Continental champion and [[2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|2019 NCAA champion]] [[Anthony Ashnault]] in the first round, but was unexpectedly [[Upset (sports)|upset]] by 2018 US Open champion [[Joseph McKenna (wrestler)|Joey McKenna]] by decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Bill |date=2021-04-03 |title=N.J. native Joey McKenna upsets Zain Retherford, reaches U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials finals |url=https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2021/04/nj-native-joey-mckenna-upsets-zain-retherford-reaches-us-olympic-wrestling-trials-finals.html |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=NJ.com |language=en}}</ref> He lost his consolation match against [[2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|2021 NCAA champion]] from [[Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling|Penn State]] [[Nick Lee (wrestler)|Nick Lee]], failing to place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelhardt |first=Gordon |title=Mater Dei grad Lee third in U.S. Olympic wrestling trials, earns spot on national team |url=https://www.courierpress.com/story/sports/2021/04/03/ncaa-wrestling-champ-nick-lee-falls-olympic-trials/7065838002/ |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=Evansville Courier & Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
To start off the year, Retherford defeated Evan Henderson in February at the [[Nittany Lion Wrestling Club#NLWC V|NLWC V]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2021 |title=BEA's Grace Stem wins, former Penn State wrestlers go 3-3 in Nittany Lion Wrestling Club event |url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article249444980.html |website=Centredaily.com}}</ref> Retherford competed at the rescheduled [[2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials (wrestling)|2020 US Olympic Team Trials]] from April 2 to 3 as the top–seed in an attempt of representing the [[United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Penn State Wrestling and the NLWC Ready for 2021 Olympic Team Trials Friday and Saturday |url=https://gopsusports.com/news/2021/4/1/penn-state-wrestling-and-the-nlwc-ready-for-2021-olympic-team-trials-friday-and-saturday.aspx |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=Penn State University Athletics |date=April 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He knocked off two–time Pan American Continental champion and [[2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|2019 NCAA champion]] [[Anthony Ashnault]] in the first round, but was unexpectedly [[Upset (sports)|upset]] by 2018 US Open champion [[Joseph McKenna (wrestler)|Joey McKenna]] by decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Bill |date=2021-04-03 |title=N.J. native Joey McKenna upsets Zain Retherford, reaches U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials finals |url=https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2021/04/nj-native-joey-mckenna-upsets-zain-retherford-reaches-us-olympic-wrestling-trials-finals.html |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=NJ.com |language=en}}</ref> He lost his consolation match against [[2021 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|2021 NCAA champion]] from [[Penn State Nittany Lions wrestling|Penn State]] [[Nick Lee (wrestler)|Nick Lee]], failing to place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelhardt |first=Gordon |title=Mater Dei grad Lee third in U.S. Olympic wrestling trials, earns spot on national team |url=https://www.courierpress.com/story/sports/2021/04/03/ncaa-wrestling-champ-nick-lee-falls-olympic-trials/7065838002/ |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=Evansville Courier & Press |language=en-US}}</ref>


Retherford bulked up to 70 kilograms for a comeback at the [[2021 United States World Team Trials (wrestling)|2021 US World Team Trials]] on September 11–12, intending to represent the country at the [[2021 World Wrestling Championships|World Championships]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who's Registered For World Team Trials So Far? |url=https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7131421-whos-registered-for-world-team-trials-so-far |access-date=2021-08-18 |website=FloWrestling.org |language=en}}</ref> After losing in the first round in the hands of [[Jordan Oliver (fighter)|Jordan Oliver]], Retherford made his way to a third-place finish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nittany Lion Wrestling Club Grabs Three Third-Place and One Fourth-Place Finish at 2021 World Team Trials in Nebraska |url=https://gopsusports.com/news/2021/9/12/nittany-lion-wrestling-club-grabs-three-third-place-and-one-fourth-place-finish-at-2021-world-team-trials-in-nebraska.aspx |access-date=2021-09-25 |website=Penn State University Athletics |date=September 12, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He is also a Senior Freestyle World Silver Medalist (70 kg; 2022). <ref>{{cite web | url=https://uww.org/event/world-championships-61?section=results&tab=medal-summary&weight-category=b6b1c5c7-340b-11ed-a29d-08002745f808 | title=World Championships }}</ref><ref name="champions_claim_double_gold_belgrade_2022">{{Cite news |last=Shefferd |first=Neil |date=16 September 2022 |title=Olympic champions help US claim double freestyle gold at World Wrestling Championships |work=InsideTheGames.biz |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1128135/us-double-gold-world-wrestling-champs |access-date=17 September 2022}}</ref>
Retherford bulked up to 70 kilograms for a comeback at the [[2021 United States World Team Trials (wrestling)|2021 US World Team Trials]] on September 11–12, intending to represent the country at the [[2021 World Wrestling Championships|World Championships]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who's Registered For World Team Trials So Far? |url=https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/7131421-whos-registered-for-world-team-trials-so-far |access-date=2021-08-18 |website=FloWrestling.org |date=August 10, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> After losing in the first round in the hands of [[Jordan Oliver (fighter)|Jordan Oliver]], Retherford made his way to a third-place finish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nittany Lion Wrestling Club Grabs Three Third-Place and One Fourth-Place Finish at 2021 World Team Trials in Nebraska |url=https://gopsusports.com/news/2021/9/12/nittany-lion-wrestling-club-grabs-three-third-place-and-one-fourth-place-finish-at-2021-world-team-trials-in-nebraska.aspx |access-date=2021-09-25 |website=Penn State University Athletics |date=September 12, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He is also a Senior Freestyle World Silver Medalist (70 kg; 2022). <ref>{{cite web | url=https://uww.org/event/world-championships-61?section=results&tab=medal-summary&weight-category=b6b1c5c7-340b-11ed-a29d-08002745f808 | title=World Championships }}</ref><ref name="champions_claim_double_gold_belgrade_2022">{{Cite news |last=Shefferd |first=Neil |date=16 September 2022 |title=Olympic champions help US claim double freestyle gold at World Wrestling Championships |work=InsideTheGames.biz |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1128135/us-double-gold-world-wrestling-champs |access-date=17 September 2022}}</ref>
2023
2023
He won the gold medal in the 70 kg weight class at the [[2023 World Wrestling Championships]] in Belgrade. He defeated Iranian wrestler [[Amir Mohammad Yazdani]] 8:5 in the final bout.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Championships 2023 wrestling results|url=https://uww.org/event/world-championships-49/results}}</ref>
He won the gold medal in the 70 kg weight class at the [[2023 World Wrestling Championships]] in Belgrade. He defeated Iranian wrestler [[Amir Mohammad Yazdani]] 8:5 in the final bout.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Championships 2023 wrestling results|url=https://uww.org/event/world-championships-49/results}}</ref>

Revision as of 14:30, 14 August 2024

Zain Retherford
Retherford in 2018
Personal information
Full nameZain Allen Retherford
Born (1995-05-21) May 21, 1995 (age 29)
Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.
Home townBenton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight65 kg (143 lb)
70 kg (154 lb)
Sport
CountryUnited States
SportWrestling
Event(s)Freestyle and Folkstyle
College teamPenn State
ClubNittany Lion Wrestling Club
Titan Mercury Wrestling Club
Coached byCael Sanderson
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the  United States
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2023 Belgrade 70 kg
Silver medal – second place 2022 Belgrade 70 kg
World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2019 Yakutsk Team
Pan American Championships
Gold medal – first place 2023 Buenos Aires 70 kg
Cadet World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2012 Baku 63 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Penn State Nittany Lions
NCAA Division I Championships
Gold medal – first place 2016 New York 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2017 St. Louis 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2018 Cleveland 149 lb
Big Ten Championships
Gold medal – first place 2016 Iowa City 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2017 Bloomington 149 lb
Gold medal – first place 2018 East Lansing 149 lb
Silver medal – second place 2014 Madison 141 lb

Zain Allen Retherford (born May 21, 1995) is an American freestyle wrestler and graduated folkstyle wrestler who competes at 70 kilograms.[1] In freestyle, he is a gold and silver medalist at the World Championships, as well as a Pan-American champion.[2]

One of the most successful Penn State Nittany Lion wrestlers of all time, Retherford was a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner and a three-time NCAA Division I National champion.[3][4][5]

Early life and education

Retherford was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Early in life, he moved to Benton, Pennsylvania. He attended Line Mountain Jr./Sr. High School, where he won a state wrestling title as a freshman and took third place as a sophomore. He went on to compile a record of 84–3 before moving to Benton High School in his junior year. As a result of the move, Retherford was declared unable to compete the 2011-12 season. Russ Hughes, his high school coach, states that it was in this time when Retherford started to really focus and grow as a wrestler. As a senior, he compiled an unbeaten record of 47–0 and collected his second Pennsylvania state title. After the season, he became a Cadet World Champion in freestyle at 65-kilograms.

Retherford graduated from high school with a 131–3 record and two PIAA state titles.[6][7]

College career

Retherford was considered the #3 recruit in the country in 2012. He committed to the Nittany Lions at Penn State University.[8][9]

2013-14

Retherford had incredible success as a true freshman, going 27–0 in regular season. He made his way to the Big Ten Conference finals to face defending NCAA champion (eventual four-timer) Logan Stieber, whom he lost to by 4 points, making him the runner-up of the tournament.[10] At the NCAA championships, Retherford defeated an unseeded opponent in the first round and also the eleventh and fourteenth seeds before losing to the second-seeded Logan Stieber once again. After losing in the semifinals, he faced and lost to top-seeded Mitchell Port in the consolation semis, ending his run at the tournament and placing fifth, which earned him All-American status.[11]

2014-15

In this season, Retherford chose to redshirt to focus on training and freestyle, placing second at the Junior World Team Trials and fourth at the 2015 Dave Schultz Memorial International.[12][13]

2015-16

As a sophomore, Retherford moved up to 149-pounds and closed the regular season undefeated with a 26–0 record before the Big Ten's. At the tournament, he defeated the eight and fifth seeds to make his way to the finale. where he downed second-seeded Brandon Sorensen to win the championship. At the NCAA's, he dominated with a technical fall (21-6) to start the tournament, accumulated 3 pins in a row and a major in the finals to close the tournament and claim his first NCAA title. He was named the year's NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler, Penn State Male Athlete of the Year, Big Ten Wrestler of the Year,[14] and received the 2016 Wade Schalles Award for best collegiate pinner.[15]

2016-17

In his junior year, he continued to establish dominance, staying in the top-spot of the division through the regular season. At the Big Ten Championships he downed four opponents with three falls and a technical fall (16-1) to become a two-time Big Ten Champion. At the NCAA Championships, he went 5–0 with four technical falls and a pin at the tournament to claim his second-straight NCAA Championship, making him the seventh Nittany Lion to do so. Due to his efforts, he was named the NCAA and Big Ten Championships Outstanding Wrestler. He ended the season with a 28–0 mark with seventeen pins, seven techs and a major, near to a 90 percent of bonus points in matches.

He then earned the Dan Hodge Trophy award as the most dominant wrestler in NCAA Division I along with that year's NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler and Wade Schalles Award winner[16] for the second time in a row.[14]

2017-18

As a senior, he remained unbeaten at 149-pounds with a 31–0 record. At the Big Ten's, he defeated three ranked wrestlers with two majors and one decision by points to claim his third-straight B1G Championship. At the NCAA Championships, he opened up with a tech (16-1) and a pin before another tech (20-2) in the quarterfinals. In his next two matches he won by decision (10-4 and 6-2), claiming his third-straight NCAA title.

After the season, he became only the fourth person to be awarded the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice. He was also named NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler for the third straight time and Big Ten Wrestler of the Year for the second time. In his four seasons at PSU, he graduated with a 128–3 record (all of his losses coming as a freshman).[17]

Overall, Retherford is a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, three-time NCAA Champion, four-time All-American, three-time Big Ten Champion and four-time Big Ten finalist.[18]

Freestyle career

As a cadet and a junior, Retherford already had prestigious freestyle accomplishments; Cadet World and National champion and three-time Junior National runner-up.[18]

2015

At the Dave Schultz Memorial, Retherford lost to Jordan Oliver in the quarterfinals (2-6). In the repechage matches, he made his way to the third place match by beating Evan Henderson (10-7), Borislav Novachkov (injury default) and Murad Nukhadiev (9-2). In the bronze-medal match, he faced Andrey Kviatkovski, whom he lost to (4-8), placing fourth in his first competition as a senior.[19]

2016

At the US Olympic Team Trials, Retherford defeated James Green (9-2) in the preliminary match and advanced to the quarterfinals, where he faced Logan Stieber, whom he lost to (6-8). In the repechage matches, he downed Jason Chamberlain (7-2), Jayson Ness (6-3) and Jimmy Kennedy (2-2) to place third in the tournament.[20]

2017

At the US Open, Retherford placed third after losing to Jordan Oliver in the semifinals, qualifying for the World Team Trials Tournament. He won the Challenge Tournament and went on to face Frank Molinaro at the wrestle-offs. He won the 2-out-of-3 matches, losing the first one (6-7) and dominantly winning the other two (6-0, 7-4).[21][22]

Retherford competed at the Spain Grand Prix before the World Championships. He dominated his opponents, not getting scored a single point and winning all of his matches (4-0, TF 11–0, 6–0, TF 10-0).[23]

At the World Championships, Retherford teched (10-0) David Habat in the opening match but subsequently lost to Adam Batirov (4-6), getting eliminated and placing eleventh.[24]

2019

At the Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix, he lost in the opening bout to Gadzhimurad Rashidov (3-4) and got eliminated, placing eighth.[25]

At the US Open, he downed 5 opponents before losing to Yianni Diakomihalis in the finals, this qualified him for the World Team Trials.[26] At the Challenge Tournament, he defeated Dean Heil, Frank Molinaro and Jordan Oliver twice before competing at Final X: Rutgers against Yianni Diakomihalis.[27] In the first match, Retherford beat Diakomihalis 10–4. The second match ended with a lot on controversy; Retherford was down 4-6 when he got a takedown for two points, Diakomihalis ended up earning two more to apparently win the match 8–6, however, there were problems with the scoring and that led to the match being scored 6–6 with an advantage on criteria to Retherford, winning the match and the Final X series.[27][28]

He once again faced Yianni Diakomihalis in the qualification round of the Grand Prix Yaşar Doğu. He lost the match by points (9-5).[29] He was then scheduled to compete at the Pan American Games, however, he was forced to pull out a week before the event and was replaced by Jaydin Eierman.[30]

Due to the past controversy at Final X: Rutgers, Retherford faced Diakomihalis for the fifth time in their freestyle career in a wrestle-off called Final X: Yianni vs. Zain to determine who was going to represent the United States at the World Championships.[31] He defeated Diakomihalis by two points to one.[27]

Retherford competed at the World Championships weeks after his wrestle-off. He lost a close bout in the first round against Alejandro Valdés (9-10) and was eliminated, placing twenty-sixth.[32]

Retherford competed at the Alan International in Russia. He downed Inar Kettia and Iulian Gergenov (TF 13–2, TF 11-0) prior to losing to Saiyn Kazyryk (4-6), placing seventh.[33]

In his last tournament of 2019, he competed at the prestigious World Cup, where he ended up undefeated at 65 kilograms with four victories, claiming the individual World Cup championship and helping Team USA win the team bronze-medal.[34]

2020

In his first competition of the year, Retherford competed at the Matteo Pellicone RS. He faced Bajrang Punia, whom he lost a close decision (4-5) in the opening round. He went on to place third as he beat Joey McKenna (10-5) and pinned Vasyl Shuptar in the repechage matches.[35]

In an attempt to make his way to the Olympics, Retherford competed at the Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament. He started strong, winning by technical superiority (10-0) in both of his first two bouts. In the semifinals, he faced Agustín Destribats. Retherford took him down early, however, Destribats was able to adjust and worked his way to the victory by fall, being the first wrestler to get the win in that fashion against Retherford in freestyle competition. In the third-place match, he faced Álbaro Rudesindo, whom he pinned.[36]

Retherford was scheduled to compete at the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials on April 4 at State College, Pennsylvania.[37] However, the event was postponed for 2021 along with the Summer Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving all the qualifiers unable to compete.[38]

After six months without being able to compete, Retherford returned to the mats against three–time NCAA Division I All-American Alec Pantaleo on September 19 at the NLWC I,[39] whom he outscored 3 points to 2.[40] He then won by technical fall against three–time US National Champion and World Team Member Reece Humphrey on November 24, at the NLWC III.[41] Retherford avenged his loss to Bajrang Punia at the Matteo Pellicone, when he flawlessly defeated him 6–0 at the NLWC IV of December 22.[42]

2021

To start off the year, Retherford defeated Evan Henderson in February at the NLWC V.[43] Retherford competed at the rescheduled 2020 US Olympic Team Trials from April 2 to 3 as the top–seed in an attempt of representing the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics.[44] He knocked off two–time Pan American Continental champion and 2019 NCAA champion Anthony Ashnault in the first round, but was unexpectedly upset by 2018 US Open champion Joey McKenna by decision.[45] He lost his consolation match against 2021 NCAA champion from Penn State Nick Lee, failing to place.[46]

Retherford bulked up to 70 kilograms for a comeback at the 2021 US World Team Trials on September 11–12, intending to represent the country at the World Championships.[47] After losing in the first round in the hands of Jordan Oliver, Retherford made his way to a third-place finish.[48] He is also a Senior Freestyle World Silver Medalist (70 kg; 2022). [49][50] 2023 He won the gold medal in the 70 kg weight class at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade. He defeated Iranian wrestler Amir Mohammad Yazdani 8:5 in the final bout.[51]

Freestyle record

Senior Freestyle Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 87-19 Belarus Niurgun Skriabin 7–0 May 12, 2024 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament

Turkey Istanbul, Turkey

Win 86-19 India Sujeet Kalkal 2–2 May 11, 2024
Win 85-19 Tajikistan Abdulmazhid Kudiev 5–2
Win 84-19 Bahrain Alibeg Alibegov Fall
Loss 83-19 Mongolia Tömör-Ochiryn Tulga 2–7
Win 83-18 Yemen Ibrahim Guzan TF 11–0
Win 82-18 Romania Ștefan Coman Fall
2024 US Olympic Team Trials 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 81-18 United States Nick Lee 5–0 April 20, 2024 2024 US Olympic Team Trials

United States State College, Pennsylvania

Win 80-18 United States Nick Lee 2–1
Win 79-18 United States Jesse Mendez 3–2 April 19, 2024
2023 World Championships 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 78-18 Iran Amir Mohammad Yazdani 8–5 September 16–17, 2023 2023 World Championships

Serbia Belgrade, Serbia

Win 77-18 Armenia Arman Andreasyan 7–0
Win 76-18 India Abhimanyu 9–2
Win 75-18 Tajikistan Mustafo Akhmedov 4–0
2023 Pan American Championships 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 74-18 Canada Connor Quinton Fall May 3–7, 2023 2023 Pan American Continental Championships

Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina

Win 73-18 Brazil Vinicius Joaquim TF 12–2
Win 72-18 Puerto Rico Francisco Velazquez TF 10–0
Win 71-18 Argentina Mauricio Lovera Fall
2023 US World Team Trials 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 70-18 United States Tyler Berger 4–3 June 10, 2023 2023 Final X: Newark

United States Newark, New Jersey

Win 69-18 United States Tyler Berger 11–2
2022 World Championships 2nd place, silver medalist(s) at 70 kg
Loss 68-18 Japan Taishi Narikuni TF 0–10 September 15–16, 2022 2022 World Championships

Serbia Belgrade, Serbia

Win 68-17 Georgia (country) Zurabi Iakobishvili 7–0
Win 67-17 Armenia Arman Andreasyan 5–0
Win 66-17 Switzerland Marc Dietsche Fall
Win 65-17 Germany Kevin Henkel TF 10–0
2022 Tunis Ranking Series 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 64-17 Kazakhstan Syrbaz Talgat TF 10–0 July 18, 2022 2022 Tunis Ranking Series Tunisia Tunis, Tunisia
Win 63-17 Tunisia Kossai Ajimi TF 11–0
Win 62-17 India Karan Mor Fall
Win 61-17 Turkey Haydar Yavuz INJ
Win 60-17 Kazakhstan Sanzhar Kozhanov Fall
2022 US World Team Trials 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 59-17 United States Jordan Oliver 4–3 June 3, 2022 2022 Final X: Stillwater

United States Stillwater, Oklahoma

Loss 58-17 United States Jordan Oliver 4–5
Win 58-16 United States Jordan Oliver 8–3
Win 57-16 United States Alec Pantaleo 5–2 May 21–22, 2022 2022 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament

United States Coralville, Iowa

Win 56-16 United States Doug Zapf 4–1
2022 Dan Kolov & Nikola Petrov 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 55-16 Bulgaria Ramazan Ramazanov 10–6 February 17–20, 2022 2022 Dan Kolov & Nikola Petrov Tournament Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Win 54-16 Ukraine Yehor Muradyan Fall
Win 53-16 Switzerland Marc Dietsche TF 12–2
Win 52-16 Bulgaria Ivan Stoyanov 8–0
2021 US World Team Trials 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 51-16 United States Tyler Berger TF 11–0 September 11–12, 2021 2021 US World Team Trials United States Lincoln, Nebraska
Win 50-16 United States Alec Pantaleo FF
Win 49-16 United States Jarrett Jacques TF 10–0
Loss 48-16 United States Jordan Oliver 2–2
2020 US Olympic Team Trials DNP at 65 kg
Loss 48-15 United States Nick Lee 4–10 April 2, 2021 2020 US Olympic Team Trials United States Fort Worth, Texas
Loss 48-14 United States Joey McKenna 5–8
Win 48-13 United States Anthony Ashnault 5–1
Win 47-13 United States Evan Henderson 6–2 February 23, 2021 NLWC V

United States State College, Pennsylvania

Win 46-13 India Bajrang Punia 6–0 December 22, 2020 NLWC IV
Win 45-13 United States Reece Humphrey TF 10–0 November 24, 2020 NLWC III
Win 44-13 United States Alec Pantaleo 3–2 September 19, 2020 NLWC I
2020 Pan American Olympic Qualification 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 43-13 Dominican Republic Álbaro Rudesindo Fall March 15, 2020 2020 Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament

Canada Ottawa, Canada

Loss 42-13 Argentina Agustín Destribats Fall
Win 42-12 Colombia Uber Cuero TF 10–0
Win 41-12 {{|PUR}} Jose Rodriguez TF 10–0
2020 Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 40-12 Ukraine Vasyl Shuptar Fall January 15–18, 2020 2020 Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series Italy Rome, Italy
Win 39-12 United States Joey McKenna 10–5
Loss 38-12 India Bajrang Punia 4–5
2019 Alans International Tournament 7th at 65 kg
Loss 38-11 Russia Saiyn Kazyryk 4–6 December 7–9, 2019 2019 Alans International Tournament Russia Vladikavkaz, Russia
Win 38-10 Russia Iulian Gergenov TF 11–0
Win 37-10 Russia Inar Ketiia TF 13–2
2019 World Championships 26th at 65 kg
Loss 36-10 Cuba Alejandro Valdés 9–10 September 19, 2019 2019 World Championships

Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

2019 US World Team Trials 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 36-9 United States Yianni Diakomihalis 2–1 September 2, 2019 2019 Final X Wrestle-Off: Yianni vs Zain

United States Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

2019 Grand Prix Yaşar Doğu 7th at 65 kg
Loss 35-9 {{|USA}} Yianni Diakomihalis 5–9 July 11–14, 2019 2019 Grand Prix Yaşar Doğu

Turkey Istanbul, Turkey

NC 35-8 United States Yianni Diakomihalis 6–6 June 7–8, 2019 2019 Final X: Rutgers

United States New Brunswick, New Jersey

Win 35–8 United States Yianni Diakomihalis 10–4
Win 34–8 United States Jordan Oliver 7–6 May 17–19, 2019 2019 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament

United States Raleigh, North Carolina

Win 33–8 United States Jordan Oliver 7–6
Win 32–7 United States Frank Molinaro 6–1
Win 31–8 United States Dean Heil TF 10–0
2019 US Open 2nd place, silver medalist(s) at 65 kg
Loss 30–8 United States Yianni Diakomihalis 4–6 April 24–27, 2019 2019 US Open National Championships

United States Las Vegas, Nevada

Win 30–7 United States Jaydin Eierman 11–3
Win 29–6 United States Jayson Ness TF 10–0
Win 28–7 United States Mitch McKee TF 10–0
Win 27-6 United States Tristan Moran TF 10–0
Win 26–7 United States Peter Lipari TF 10–0
2019 World Cup 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65kg
Win 25–7 Japan Daichi Takatani TF 10–0 March 16–17, 2019 2019 World Cup Russia Yakutsk, Russia
Win 24–7 Mongolia Batmagnai Batchuluun TF 10–0
Win 23–6 Iran Morteza Ghiasi 6–1
Win 22–7 Georgia (country) Amiran Vakhtangashvili 9–2
2019 Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 8th at 65 kg
Loss 21–7 Russia Gadzhimurad Rashidov 3–4 January 24–27, 2019 Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2019

Russia Krasnoyarsk, Russia

2017 World Championships 11th at 65 kg
Loss 21–6 Bahrain Adam Batirov 4–6 August 26, 2017 2017 World Championships

France Paris, France

Win 21–5 Slovenia David Habat TF 10–0
2017 Spain Grand Prix 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 20–5 Iran Vahid Ahangari TF 10–0 July 15–16, 2017 2017 Grand Prix of Spain Spain Madrid, Spain
Win 19–5 France Ilman Mukhtarov 6–0
Win 18–5 France Maxime Fiquet TF 11–0
Win 17–5 Austria Gabriel Janatsch 4–0
2017 US World Team Trials 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 16–5 United States Frank Molinaro 7–4 June 10, 2017 2017 US World Team Trials United States Lincoln, Nebraska
Win 15–5 United States Frank Molinaro 6–0
Loss 14–5 United States Frank Molinaro 6–7
Win 14–4 United States Bernard Futrell TF 10–0 June 9, 2017 2017 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament
Win 13–4 United States Nick Dardanes TF 11–0
Win 12–4 United States Jaydin Eierman TF 14–2
2017 US Open 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 11–4 United States Jimmy Kennedy 4–3 April 26–29, 2017 2017 US Open National Championships

United States Las Vegas, Nevada

Win 10–4 United States Evan Henderson TF 10–0
Loss 9-4 United States Jordan Oliver 3–5
Win 9–3 United States Nick Dardanes TF 10–0
Win 8–3 United States Koby Reyes TF 10–0
c2016 US Olympic Team Trials 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 7–3 United States Jimmy Kennedy 2–2 April 9–10, 2016 2016 US Olympic Team Trials

United States Iowa City, Iowa

Win 6–3 United States Jayson Ness 6–3
Win 5–3 United States Jason Chamberlain 7–2
Loss 4–3 United States Logan Stieber 6–8
Win 4–2 United States James Green 9–2
2015 Dave Schultz Memorial International 4th at 65 kg
Loss 3–2 Ukraine Andrey Kvyatkovskyy 4–8 January 29–31, 2015 2015 Dave Schultz Memorial International

United States Colorado Springs, Colorado

Win 3–1 Russia Murad Nukhadiev 9–2
Win 2–1 United States Evan Henderson 10–7
Loss 1–1 United States Jordan Oliver 2–6
Win 1–0 United States Michael Mangrum 7–6

NCAA record

NCAA Championships Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event
2018 NCAA Championships 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 149 lbs
Win 18-2 Ronald Perry 6-2 March 15–17, 2018 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win 17-2 Troy Heilmann 10-4
Win 16-2 Boo Lewallen TF 20-2
Win 15-2 Alfred Bannister Fall
Win 14-2 Kyle Springer TF 16-1
2017 NCAA Championships 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 149 lbs
Win 13–2 Lavion Mayes TF 18-2 March 16–18, 2017 2017 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win 13–2 Brandon Sorensen Fall
Win 12–2 Alex Kocer TF 19-2
Win 11–2 Jordan Laster TF 16-0
Win 10–2 Joshua Maruca TF 19-2
2016 NCAA Championships 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 149 lbs
Win 9–2 Brandon Sorensen MD 10-1 March 17–19, 2016 2016 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win 8-2 Alec Pantaleo Fall
Win 7-2 Justin Oliver Fall
Win 5-2 Pat Lugo Fall
Win 4-2 Coleman Hammond TF 21-6
2014 NCAA Championships 5th at 141 lbs
Loss 3-2 Mitchell Port TB 1-3 March 21, 2014 2014 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss 3-1 Logan Stieber 3-7
Win 3–0 Joey Lazor 5-2
Win 2–0 Edgar Bright 3-0
Win 1–0 Ugi Khishignyam 5-0

Stats

Season Year School Rank Weigh Class Record Win Bonus
2018 Senior Penn State University #1 (1st) 149 31-0 100.00% 83.87%
2017 Junior #1 (1st) 28-0 100.00% 89.29%
2016 Sophomore #1 (1st) 34-0 100.00% 88.57%
2014 Freshman #4 (5th) 141 33-3 89.47% 39.47%
Career 126-3 96.37% 75.30%

Awards and honors

2020
2019
  • 1st place, gold medalist(s) World Cup (65 kg)
  • 1st place, gold medalist(s) US World Team Trials (65 kg)
  • 2nd place, silver medalist(s) U.S Open Championship (65 kg)
2018
2017
2016
2014

See also

References

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  3. ^ "16 of college sports' most unbreakable records". NCAA.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  4. ^ Jenkins, Ben (March 17, 2018). "Penn State wrestling's Zain Retherford finishes career with third-straight title at 149 pounds". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ^ Carlson, Jim (March 27, 2018). "Penn State's Zain Retherford wins 2nd straight Hodge Trophy as nation's best college wrestler". PennLive. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
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