Miron Kharchilava of Columbus, Ohio, the assistant coach at Ohio State Univ. and a top freestyle wrestler, has confirmed to TheMat.com that he received his U.S. citizenship today, and will enter the World Team Trials in Cincinnati, Ohio this weekend at 152 pounds in freestyle.    Kharchilava, 33, indicates that he was sworn in as an American citizen this morning in Columbus, Ohio, before a judge at the Columbus Court House, and has received his certificate of citizenship for the United States.    "I am extremely happy today," said Kharchilava. "My second life begins today. I did the naturalization oath. I raised my right hand and did the oath. They said that I was an American citizen."    He came to the United States 10 years ago, leaving the former Soviet Republic of Abhazia, and began a personal journey towards U.S. citizenship that ended today with his official swearing-in ceremony.    "I'm the happiest guy in the world today," he continued. "I have wanted two things. Becoming a U.S. citizen was the most important. Second, I have wanted to make a U.S. team. I could not do that without my citizenship.    Kharchilava was a Soviet Junior National Champion and University National champion prior to coming to America. He reached as high as a No. 5 ranking in the Soviet Union on the Senior level prior to emigrating to the United States.    "It has taken 10 years," said Kharchilava. "It has been a long journey. It felt like I got on a bus, and they dropped me off and went without me. I thought that I was left behind and forgotten. It has been a long process. They finally have put me back on the bus and have taken me home."    By entering the World Team Trials, Kharchilava immediately becomes a top hopeful for the 2001 U.S. World Team. Since coming to America, Kharchilava has regularly entered international tournaments that did not require U.S. citizenship and has been very competitive. Over his decade in this nation, he has defeated top U.S. freestyle wrestlers many times, including athletes such as Matt Demaray, Pat Santoro and Troy Sunderland.    At the 2001 Dave Schultz Memorial International in Colorado Springs, Colo. in May, Kharchilava placed third. His only loss came to 2001 U.S. Nationals champion Ramico Blackmon (Colorado Springs, Colo./Team Excel) in a hotly-contested semifinal match.    "My old age is there, but I feel I have a couple more years," said Kharchilava. "I feel like I've gotten my citizenship right on the buzzer. My goal was to go to the 2000 Olympics. I missed that, but the World Championships is also one of my goals. That is why I came to this country."    "I have wanted to try out at the World Team Trials and the Olympic Trials," said Kharchilava. "Every year, I have had to sit on the bench and watch. I am very hungry. I am going to go after people. I will be putting all my frustration on to them. I'm going to go out there and do my best."    It has been a busy week for Kharchilava. He went through an interview with the INS last week, and was tested upon his knowledge of U.S. history, citizen issues and the English language. He also had to go through the formal fingerprinting process.     The reason that the ceremony was today is that it is exactly five years after he received his permanent resident status in the United States, June 18, 1996. It is also just three days before the World Team Trials event, which he qualified for as a medalist at the Dave Schultz International Open earlier this year.    Kharchilava started his American journey in Ohio, where he was affiliated with Findlay Univ. for the first few years. It took two years of English language courses before he was able to enroll in Findlay as a student. After three years there, he was able to receive his bachelor's degree. At Findlay, he helped coach the team, as well as wrestle as a member of the wrestling team. He was the 1995 NAIA national champion, and was named Outstanding Wrestler, competing for Findlay.    After his college career ended, he served as an assistant coach for three years at Indiana University, working with head coach Duane Goldman. Since 1999, he has been an assistant coach at The Ohio State University, working with head coach Russ Hellickson. He is married to an American woman, and they have a baby child. Now, he too is an American citizen.    He credits Congresswoman Debra Price of Ohio, and her staff, including Marcie McCrory, for giving him great assistance in his efforts to achieve his citizenship.    Kharchilava expects many friends to come out and root for him in Cincinnati. It will be a great boost for him during his first wrestling tournament as an American citizen.    "I feel like Ohio is my hometown," said Kharchilava. "I have many friends who have supported me. You'll be surprised how many people will be there for me. Many people follow my career, and will come out and cheer for me in Cincinnati. I wish it was seven or eight years ago when I was younger, but it will be great, anyway."