Attao bags medals in USA Wrestling Junior National Championships

Aden Attao, right, has his hand raised by the referee after winning his wrestling match in the 2023 USA Wrestling Junior National Championships last Saturday in Fargo, North Dakota. (CONTRIBUTED OHOTO)

Aden Attao, left, receives his championship plate after topping the Junior Greco-Roman division in the 2023 USA Wrestling Junior National Championships last Saturday in Fargo, North Dakota. (CONTRIBUTED OHOTO)

Aden Attao continues to make the CNMI proud as he wrestled his way to two medals in the 2023 USA Wrestling Junior National Championships last Saturday in Fargo, North Dakota.

After a dominant performance in the Junior Greco-Roman category of the 285-lb division, Attao won in the finals against Shilo Jones after just 17 seconds for an 8-0 total.

Attao made his way to the finals after he defeated Connor Aney in the semifinals, Richard Thomas in the quarterfinals, and Mustafa Woodi in the Round of 16.

The Oregon State University incoming freshman then settled for second place in the Junior Freestyle category after he fell to Koy Hopke in the finals after 5:32 of competition.

Prior to the National Championships, Attao also won one of Team USA’s eight gold medals in the U20 Pan-American Championships in Santiago, Chile last July 6.

The 18-year-old said of his most recent win in the National Championships that “I just went out to put it on the line… and see what happens—no matter the outcome I just went to put it on the line and have fun.”

As for his win in the international competition, he said “Honestly I loved the feeling of winning, not just because who doesn’t love winning, but it was awesome knowing I won and represented my family and the island on my back.”

He said of his preparation for his competitions, “My preparation was all coaches, I believed in the plan they had for me and that’s what prepared me best but training wise, nothing changed—it was the same thing as always. I will also continue to keep putting my trust in my coaches and believing in their process when leading up to the Worlds.”

The new high school graduate from Boise, Idaho said he is now training until the U20 Wrestling World Championships due to take place this August.

Attao also completed a triple crown last year in junior wrestling after winning gold in the 2022 USMC Junior Greco-Roman Nationals. To complete a triple crown, a wrestler must win a folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman national championship in the same calendar year, according to USA Wrestling.

Aden’s uncle, Joseph Attao said of his accomplishments, “This is such a big thing for him and we are so proud. Even with the second place finish yesterday he still kept his head up high and got ready for the next competition.”

The son of Jesse Attao and Stacey Hammar, Aden last visited the CNMI in 2011 when he was 6 years old. He is the grandson of Jesus and Ramona Attao.