Photo courtesy of USA Wrestling
"Every time I go out on a mat to compete, I want to be the best version of myself that I can be" -Ben Davino
SAINT CHARLES, IL- With the world championships just around the corner, Ben Davino, of Saint Charles East High School in Illinois, is gearing up to represent the United States on the international stage. Davino's reputation as an unstoppable force has been firmly established through his impressive track record. Not only was he crowned as a Super 32 Champion, but he also emerged victorious in Flo Wrestling's prestigious "Who's Number One" competition. Moreover, his remarkable skills and strong determination led him to qualify for the USA Cadet World Team.
In an exclusive interview, Davino sheds light on his training, strategies, support system, and mindset leading up to the highly anticipated tournament in Istanbul, Turkey.
"Training for the world championships has definitely been different than training for any other tournaments because I don't really know what I'm getting myself into as far as the competition goes," Davino reveals. He further explains that training at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) has provided him with invaluable exposure to different coaching styles and wrestling partners, enabling him to refine his skills and adapt to various wrestling techniques.
Photo courtesy of USA Wrestling
Davino, currently ranked third, amongst wrestlers at his weight in the country, has accomplished something truly impressive with his qualification for the United States world team. This achievement is nothing short of amazing. Despite facing a tough opponent in Jax Forrest from Bishop McCort Catholic school, Davino, an Ohio State commit, managed to secure his spot on the world team after a grueling best-of-three battle in the 60 kg weight division at the cadet world trials in Las Vegas back in April.
It is worth noting that Forrest, who recently claimed gold in the USMC National Freestyle Championships in Fargo, ND, and earned a silver medal as a member of the Cadet world team last summer, presented a significant challenge for Davino. However, Davino remains humble and determined for future success as he reflects on this remarkable accomplishment. "Being complacent has never really been an issue in my career," he stated. Striking a balance between celebrating his victories and using them as motivation to continue improving, Davino consistently pushes himself to new heights, always hungry for more.
When it comes to his strategy against international wrestlers, Davino plans to stick to his own style and push the pace. He aims to apply relentless pressure, capitalizing on the fact that overseas wrestlers may not compete as frequently as their American opponents. "The more pressure I put on them and the more situations I put them in, the more I'll continue to succeed," he confidently remarked..
Acknowledging the importance of a strong support system, Davino expresses gratitude for the backing he receives from his coaches, teammates, friends, and family. "I have a tremendous support system for this event from my coaches to my teammates to my friends to my family, and they continue to be supportive and stay positive as I get closer and closer to competition," he shares.
When it comes to handling the pressure and expectations that come with competing at such a high level, Davino maintains a humble perspective. "Of course, there's pressure, but I have an opportunity that not many people get, so I'm just super grateful to have the opportunity to compete in this world-class event," he admits.
Davino's motivation stems from his love for the sport and his constant pursuit of self-improvement. "Every time I go out on a mat to compete, I want to be the best version of myself that I can be," he stated. He also stressed the importance of setting and achieving goals, stating, "This has been a goal of mine for a while, and I really like reaching my goals."
Mental preparation plays a crucial role in Davino's approach to the tournament. He explains, "For mental preparation, I am just preparing myself for crazy situations to happen and just staying calm in all of them so I allow myself to flow and create tons of opportunities to score." This focus on maintaining composure and seizing opportunities will undoubtedly serve him well in the intense matches that lie ahead.
Photo courtesy of USA Wrestling
As the world championships draw near, Davino eagerly anticipates his arrival in Istanbul, Turkey. While he hasn't extensively researched the country, he expresses excitement about immersing himself in the different culture and experiencing how things are done in different parts of the world.
Looking ahead, Davino's future teammates and coaches at Ohio State University are eagerly awaiting his performance at the world championships. Although he hasn't received much advice from them, he knows they are excited to witness his skills on the international stage. "They are excited to watch me compete against the best around the world, which is a pretty cool thing to think about," he shares.
As the world championships kick off on July 31 in Istanbul, all eyes will be on Ben Davino as he represents the United States and strives to make his mark on the international wrestling scene, reaching the podium, with nothing less than a gold medal for the United States. With his strong dedication, training, and positive mindset, Davino is poised to leave a lasting impression and continue his climb to become one of the country's most dominant wrestlers.
You can catch all the action of the world championships as they unfold, streaming live on Flo Wrestling. Stay on top of the competition by tracking the bracket in real-time on Flo Arena.
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