Nao Kusaka Japanese Greco-Roman wrestler Date of Birth: 20.11.2000 Country: Japan

Content:

1. Nao Kusaka: Olympic Champion and International Wrestling Star
2. Early Achievements and International Recognition
3. Breakthrough on the World Stage
4. Olympic Triumph
5. Legacy and Achievements

Nao Kusaka: Olympic Champion and International Wrestling Star

Nao Kusaka is a celebrated Japanese Greco-Roman wrestler who rose to Olympic glory in 2024 while also achieving success on the world stage.

Early Achievements and International Recognition

Kusaka's impressive wrestling career began in 2017 with a 5th place finish at the Cadet World Championships in Athens. His breakout year came in 2018, where he secured bronze medals at both the Junior Asian Championships in New Delhi and the Japanese Senior Championships.

Breakthrough on the World Stage

2022 proved to be a pivotal year for Kusaka. At the U23 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, he emerged victorious in the bronze medal match against Iran's Mohammad Reza Mokhtari. A year later, he continued his winning streak at the World Championships in Belgrade, capturing another bronze medal over Aram Vardanyan from Uzbekistan.

Olympic Triumph

The pinnacle of Kusaka's career came at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Competing in the 77 kg weight class, he faced Kazak wrestler Demeu Zhadraev in the final. After a thrilling bout, Kusaka emerged victorious, claiming the coveted Olympic gold medal.

Legacy and Achievements

Kusaka's remarkable achievements include:
Gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics
2 Bronze medals at the World Championships (2023, 2022 U23)

Free-style wrestling

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