Taylor Graveman Joined Team USA for World Championships
She takes the 72 kg roster spot for the Galaxy U23 competition happening at the Thomas & Mack Center this month.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Wrestling
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Local wrestling standout Taylor Graveman has moved onto the Team USA roster for the 2026 Galaxy U23 World Championships. She replaces 2024 Olympic champion Amit Elor in the women's freestyle 72 kg weight class.
Why it matters
Graveman earned her place on the world stage after a successful year, including a win at the U23 Nationals and a victory at the Pan American Championships. Her inclusion shifts the local representation at this major international tournament held here in the valley.
Graveman will compete in the 72 kg weight class after securing her spot through the U23 National title. The total roster shift follows the U23 Women's Freestyle World Team Procedures.
The players
Taylor Graveman
The freestyle wrestler who earned the 72 kg spot on the Team USA roster.
Amit Elor
A 2024 Olympic champion who previously held the 72 kg roster spot.
The details
Graveman qualified for the team by winning the U23 Nationals title in April and further proved her form with a win in Lima, Peru, this summer. She will now represent the U.S. in the women's freestyle competition at the Thomas & Mack Center. The tournament spans from October 12-18, with the women's freestyle events scheduled for October 14-16.
Timeline
April 2026: Graveman won the U23 Nationals title.
Summer 2026: Graveman won the U23 Pan American Championships.
October 12-18, 2026: The Galaxy U23 World Championships take place.
October 14-16, 2026: Women's freestyle wrestling competition occurs.
Beyond the Strip
This roster update adheres to the U23 Women's Freestyle World Team Procedures for international event participation. It follows the pattern of previous national team selection cycles for amateur freestyle wrestling.
Residents planning to attend the championships at the Thomas & Mack Center can watch the women's freestyle division from October 14-16. Traffic near the venue will likely increase during the week of the event.
The takeaway
Graveman enters the world stage following a dominant year at the national and international levels. Keep an eye on the Thomas & Mack Center schedule for the women's freestyle bouts running October 14-16.
What happens next
The Galaxy U23 World Championships run from October 12-18 at the Thomas & Mack Center, with women's freestyle matches slated for October 14-16.
Further reading
You can follow local developments in the sport by visiting our Wrestling coverage.
Live Poll
Should athletes qualify for national teams based primarily on their most recent tournament performance?
