Minnesota wrestler falls short of medal hopes at U20 World Championships
SAMOKOV, Bulgaria – Soren Herzog’s quest for a podium finish at the U20 World Championships came to an abrupt end on Friday, as the former Simley wrestler suffered a narrow 2-1 decision loss to Hungary’s Vendel Vitai in the opening round of competition at 97kg.
Herzog’s match against Vitai proved to be a defensive battle, with the Hungarian edging out the American by the slimmest of margins.
Unfortunately for Herzog and Team USA’s medal hopes, his elimination became final when Vitai was subsequently defeated in the following round by Germany’s Darius Kiefer, the U20 European champion and returning U20 world silver medalist. This meant Herzog would not get a chance to compete in the repechage rounds, as only wrestlers beaten by finalists can re-enter competition through that route.
The U20 World Championships continue through Sunday, with the remaining U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers set to compete.