The thought of Americans winning in Iran probably made some officials very uneasy.    Wrestling is mankind's oldest friend, the guardian of our youth, a great educator, a great protector and a great motivator and it has just taken another hit.    Wrestling and wrestlers have always been a bridge to friendship among nations. It changed enemies into friends and built lifelong friendships. For example, following World War II, wrestlers were the first to go to Japan and vice versa.    The wrestlers were the first to go behind iron curtain countries. Wrestlers have been the tips of the spear, opening doors that have been closed by conflict.    We have been taken down, but we have not been defeated. Out of this will come a new resolve.    I know how you feel; my heart aches too. This is one of those moments when evil in the form of politics has reared its ugly head. I am sorry you will not get a chance to realize your dreams. I am sorry we have to stand down and watch because we are Americans. Do not forget this as you train. Let this be a part of your preparation as you look down the road, for our day will come.    We would have made many friends. We would have been treated as heroes. We would have been welcomed by many of the people. We would have opened doors, eyes and hearts. We would have won the world. The potential for seven gold medalists was real. Coach Jackson and his staff have prepared this team superbly.    We saw your preparation. You know you're ready, the staff knows you're ready and the world would have found out just how ready you are. Your discipline and dedication in your training was superb. American wrestling needed this event.    Never have I seen a team so focused, so determined and so ready. One of the great things about sports is it breaks down barriers and builds bridges between people. We would have made an impact among the Iranian people. We would have made many friends. Winning could have had an impact perhaps on Title IX and proportionality. As you bare this pain, remember that our day will come. Your dreams have only been delayed. Wrestling is mankind's oldest friend, the guardian of our youth, a great educator, a great protector and a great motivator and it has just taken another hit.    The World Championships without the Americans is not a World Championship. I hope that in the future when World Championship sites are selected, global politics will be one of the selection process' criteria. As much as I want to compete, I could never live with myself if something happened to you or any of our delegation in Iran.    So yes, we have to stand down, but we also have to stand proud. I wish I had the right words to express my admiration for the way you prepared. I am asking you to use this to motivate yourself for the future. We will fly the red, white and blue. We will make America proud.    Bobby Douglas