Mason Parris suffered a heartbreaking end to his Paris Olympic campaign after he was knocked out in the first round of the competition. This was the wrestler’s Olympic debut and he was a strong contender for gold going into the Games.
Parris established himself as one of the USA's best-up-and-coming wrestlers in his collegiate career itself, storming an NCAA Championship as part of the University of Michigan program. He continued to impress on the global stage after his collegiate performances, claiming bronze at the 2023 World Championships in the 125 kg category.
The 24-year-old entered the Paris Olympics on the back of a strong 2024 season and was expected to make an appearance on the podium. However, he was taken down in the first round itself after losing 5-10 by VPO1 to Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur.
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Now, Mason Parris has finally broken his silence about the heartbreak he was dealt at the Paris Olympics, writing on Instagram:
“I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and supporters for pouring so much into me in my Olympic journey to be my best. Your support keeps me going in my toughest moments. I pushed my body and mind to its limits daily and put myself in the best position possible to be a champion.”
“However, despite our best efforts and intentions, things don't go always according to plan. I've grown so much as an athlete and person on this journey, and I am determined to keep moving forward. God has gifted me so many things to be grateful for. This isn't the end of my story, it's just another chapter. The journey continues. Romans 5:3-4.”
Mason Parris on the support he receives from his hometown
Mason Parris hails from Lawrenceburg, a small town in Indiana, and in an interview with USA Wrestling, the 24-year-old explained exactly how much the support of his community has mattered in his success. The wrestler opened up about how his town would band together for him, saying:
“Growing up in Indiana, it was awesome. My community in Lawrenceburg does so much for me, they support me, they always tell me how proud they are of me. It's awesome to have a small town community that just comes together for me, and supports me in every single way.”
Parris went on to praise Indiana and their depth of talent in wrestling, saying:
“Not a lot of people look at Indiana and say that's one of the best wrestling states but having three Olympians now, that just goes to show how good of a wrestling state we are, how well Indiana prepares our guys for international and collegiate competition.”
While Mason Parris' dream of winning an Olympic gold on his debut has been crushed, other big opportunities are awaiting the wrestler. The Indiana native will now likely turn his attention to the 2024 U.S. Senior World Team Trials, which take place on September 9 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Parris will walk into the competition as the 2023 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament champion and a heavy favorite for the win.
