Andrew Alirez, a former four-time state wrestling champion at Greeley Central and 2023 NCAA champion, announced his plans to train for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Alirez, 23, won the NCAA 141-pound title in March on behalf of the University of Northern Colorado, capping a season where he finished with a 28-0 record. He was named the Big 12 Conference wrestler of the year and granted a Key to the City of Greeley.
“I had an amazing season last year, accomplishing one of my goals standing on top of the podium as an NCAA champion,” Alirez said. “I’ve decided to turn my attention to another goal, and that goal is to represent our country and win an Olympic gold medal.”
In July, Alirez won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling competing for Team USA at the Poland Open in Warsaw, which influenced his recent decision. Still, Alirez said he will remain in Greeley and at UNC while he trains for Paris.
“I’m not leaving my town, I’m not leaving my school and I’m definitely not leaving my team,” Alirez said. “I’ll be right here training with and cheering for our Bears, and I hope you will too.”