The U.S. women's freestyle wrestling program is growing in depth and ability every year.  This creates a higher level of competition within each weight class domestically and internationally.

Two wrestlers competing at the Pan American Championships, Stephany Lee and Clarissa Chun, find themselves in deep weight classes where they must battle for a chance to compete on the big stage, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Lee is a 2004 World University champion.  She has also been successful at numerous other international competitions, but shares that distinction with the other wrestlers in her weight class.

"We definitely have a veteran group in this weight class," U.S. National Women's Coach Terry Steiner said. "Kristie Marano is a nine-time world medalist, Iris Smith was a 2005 World Champion, Ali Bernard is a two-time Junior World champion, and Stephany was a World University champion.   It's not going to be an easy road for any of them."

As part of the women's freestyle team at the 2008 World Cup, Lee went 2-1, beating opponents from Japan and China and helping the U.S. squad claim the silver medal.  Lee's performance at the World Cup earned the attention of the coaches, as she was a large part of the team's success.

"She showed me a lot at the World Cup," said Steiner. "When the spotlight was on her and we needed her to win, she stepped up.  She is definitely a gamer."

Lee faces a tough fight at 72 kg/158.5 lbs, particularly with three other wrestlers that are as qualified to compete as she is.

"At this weight there is definitely some depth," U.S. Women's Resident Coach Vladislav Izboinikov said. "I think there are three or four women that if we had to select a team right now we could take, and they would all do well.  Stephany is one of those four."

At 48 kg/105.5 lbs, Chun may be considered even more of an underdog.  In 2004, she finished second at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials behind eventual Olympic bronze medalist Patricia Miranda, just one spot from competing to Olympics. 

"This weight class has a good combination of experience and youth, a good mixture," said Izboinikov. "Clarissa is definitely one of the experienced wrestlers.  She was a second at the Olympic Trials in 2004.  I would definitely consider her an underdog."

Chun finds herself again fighting for a chance to compete at the Olympics, this time in Beijing.  She must overcome an incredibly tough weight class, including three women ranked ahead of her at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. Also in this division is World silver medalist Stephany Murata, 2006 World Team member Mary Kelly and former U.S. Nationals champion Sara Fulp-Allen. Miranda will be dropping down to this weight class this winter, seeking another chance for an Olympic medal.

"The biggest thing is Clarissa has to have a belief in herself," Steiner said. "She definitely has the ability to make it.  She has some parts to her wrestling that girls in her weight don't have."

Lee and Chun, both members of the Sunkist Kids, are competing at the 2008 Pan American Championships, getting in competition against some of their top international opponents.

"This is a great chance to get some more experience," said Steiner. "The Pan American Championships don't come around everyday.  You definitely want to win when you have a chance."

Chun went 2-0 in the first session at the tournament.  With victories over Susana Almeida of Brazil and Lindsay Rushton of Canada, she advanced to the finals to face Ingrid Cuellar of El Salvador.  She is focused on getting the most out of the competition as she works towards the Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling.

Winning her first match of the day against Rosangela Conceicao of Brazil, Lee is also working towards a first place finish at the Pan American Championships.

Both women are focused on this competition and what it means for them as they work towards the Olympic Trials in June.

"It's great, to be able to wrestle different styles, to wrestle people from all over the world," Chun said. "It's good practice, too.  You can work on everything, not just on the mat, but also mental preparation, before you get on the mat, getting ready for the match.  It's also a lot of fun to get out there and wrestle."

After so much success at the World Cup, Lee is looking forward to a chance to face different international opponents.

"It's good to wrestle women from this side of the world," said Lee. "I competed at the World Cup and saw some of the wrestlers from over there.  I just want to get variety in."

Lee is wrestling in a round robin style tournament, and must win against Jaresmit Weffer of Venezuela and Ohenewa Akuffo of Canada to give herself a chance at a gold medal.

Ultimately, though, this is just one step in the road as Chun and Lee focus on June and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.  Both women relish the challenge of competing in tough weight classes.

"Nothing's better than wanting to win the toughest weight class in the tournament. Well, one of the toughest weight classes. Those heavy weights could beat me down," said Chun.