U.S. athletes in all three styles will compete at the 2012 Heydar Aliyev Golden Grand Prix Finals in Baku, Azerbaijan, September 21-23.

This is the annual conclusion of the Golden Grand Prix events held each year on the FILA International schedule. Athletes from each nation must qualify in specific weight classes through Golden Grand Prix events during the season. Olympic champions have also been invited by the hosts to participate in this year’s event if they choose.

The U.S. qualified for seven spots in the women’s freestyle field. Among those competing for the USA are two past World medalists on the age-group level. 

2008 University World champion Katherine Fulp-Allen (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) will compete at 55 kg/121 lbs. Fulp-Allen was third at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. 2009 Junior World silver medalist Veronica Carlson (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) is also on the U.S. women’s freestyle roster at 67 kg/147.5 lbs.

A pair of past U.S. Open runner-ups will also compete, Melissa Apodaca (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) and Amanda Hendey (Beaumont, Calif./King College), both at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. 

There will be three entries in Greco-Roman, led by 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials runner-up Max Nowry (Wheeling, Ill./New York AC) at 55 kg/121 lbs.

The U.S. has qualified two entries in men’s freestyle, including 2010 U.S. World Team member Les Sigman (State College, Pa./Nittany Lion WC), who is planning to compete at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Prize money is also provided at this event, with $10,000 for champions, $5,000 for silver medalists and $2,000 for bronze medalists.

HEYDAR ALIYEV GOLDEN GRAND PRIX FINALS
At Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 21-23

U.S. women’s freestyle roster
51 kg/112.25 lbs. – Samantha Klingel, Kresgeville, Pa. (King College)
51 kg/112.25 lbs. – Emily Martin, Frisco, Texas (King College)
55 kg/121 lbs. – Katherine Fulp-Allen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
59 kg/130 lbs. – Audrey Morehouse, Moreno Valley, Calif. (OKCU Gator Women’s RTC)
63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Melissa Apodaca, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Amanda Hendey, Beaumont, Calif., (King College)
67 kg/147.5 lbs. – Veronica Carlson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)

U.S. Greco-Roman roster
55 kg/121 lbs. – Max Nowry, Wheeling, Ill. (New York AC)
55 kg121 lbs. – Paul Tellgren, Anoka, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Caylor Williams, Greensboro, N.C. (YES Wrestling)

U.S. men’s freestyle roster
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Les Sigman, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Caylor Williams, Greensboro, N.C. (YES Wrestling)

U.S. coach for all teams – Rob Hermann, Marquette, Mich.
Referee – Alan Merrill, Springfield, Ore.

Event Schedule

Friday, Sept. 21
Men’s freestyle competition (all weights)

Saturday, Sept. 22
Women’s freestyle competition (all weights)

Sunday, September 23
Greco-Roman competition (all weights)