Bryce Andonian is a Junior World Bronze MedalistBryce Andonian is a Junior World Bronze Medalist
Wrestling

Bryce Andonian is a Junior World Bronze Medalist

Ufa, Russia – A household name across the nation, Bryce Andonian just electrified the rest of the wrestling world en route to winning bronze at the 2021 Junior World Championships. In just his first international tournament, Andonian now adds his name to program legacy joining Ty Walz (2017 U23 Bronze) and Mekhi Lewis (2018 Junior Gold) as the only world championship medalists.
 
In a match full of fireworks from start to finish, Andonian defeated 2019 European silver medalist Stanislav Novac of Moldova by technical superiority 18-8, to secure the 70Kg bronze medal in Andonian's final match of the tournament. Andonian trailed most of the match – 8-2 deficit at one point – but the second period found him hit another gear and pour on ten unanswered scores for the tech fall as Novac faded later into the match.
 




After dropping his opening bout 8-7 against eventual champion Erfan Mohammad Elahi of Iran, Andonian stormed through the backside to pick up two wins to put himself in medal contention. His first victory on the day featured a pin over Josely Dibo (COD) in just under a minute of the match to kick off the day. Andonian showcased his explosive style, locking up double overhooks right into a back arch that saw Dibo land straight to his back where Andonian would eventually secure the fall.
 


 
Andonian advanced to the next repecharge round to face Kazakhstan's Asset Bauyrzhanov with the winner advancing to the bronze medal match. The Hokie's second match featured more of a back-and-forth battle with both wrestlers trading points right until the last minute of action. The Hokies junior opened with a blast double ten seconds in to go up by two and would then add another takedown just moments later to lead 4-0 early. Kazakhstan would then score a four-point move on the edge which gave him the lead on criteria, but that was short-lived as Andonian would come through with two more takedowns to go up 8-4 right before the break.
 
Upon return to action, Kazakhstan would score off a merkle position to cut the lead, but Andonian would go big for four on the edge. After an official review, only one point was awarded for a stepout point to the Team USA representative. It was all he needed as savvy mat wrestling advanced Andonian to the bronze medal match with the 9-6 victory.
 

Andonian will now shift his sights to folkstyle with the Tech wrestling team ahead of the upcoming season. The Hokies are fresh off a Dual Team title season under head coach Tony Robie. The Hokies return All-Americans Korbin Myers, Sam Latona, Hunter Bolen, and National Champion Mekhi Lewis along with Pac-12 champion and four-time national qualifier, Nathan Traxler.

Bryce Andonian – 70Kg
Andonian LBD Erfan Elahi (Iran), 8-7
Andonian WBF Josely Dibo (COD), 0:59
Andonian dec. Asset Bauyrzhanov (KAZ), 9-6
Andonian TF Stanislav Novac (MDA), 18-8