By Gary Abbott
USA Wrestling
The wrestling world was devastated when 2024-25 Greco-Roman National Team member Alan Vera passed away on September 23. Just 33 at the time of his death, Vera is survived by his wife Elena, a two-time Olympian and World champion in women’s freestyle wrestling, and their young daughter Alina, as well as other family and numerous friends all across the world.

The U.S. Senior World Team, which is competing in the 2024 Senior World Championships in Tirana, Albania, October 28-31, will honor Alan’s immense legacy by wearing his initials AV on their singlets while competing in the World Championships. This includes the U.S. team members in all three disciplines, Greco-Roman, women’s freestyle and men’s freestyle.

“As our Greco-Roman team prepares for the World Championships, we are proud to honor our friend and teammate by wearing his initials on our singlets. Alan was a truly compassionate individual and an incredible team member. His passion and spirit united us all. In every match, we will carry forward his legacy of friendship and strength, striving to make him proud. Alan's memory will forever inspire us and remain in our hearts,” said Herb House, USA Wrestling National Greco-Roman Coach.

“Honoring Alan Vera is an easy thing for us to do.  Alan and his wife Elena are a great part of the USA Wrestling and international wrestling family!  Losing Alan reminds us of life uncertainties.  Alan built his life around the international wrestling community.  He treated all people with respect and dignity regardless of their affiliation. Having AV on our singlets is a small gesture showing our appreciation and celebrating the person and the life of Alan Vera,” said Terry Steiner, USA Wrestling National Women's Freestyle Coach.

“It is with great pride our Men’s Freestyle Team will step on the mats in Tirana, Albania, wearing the initials AV on our singlets in the World Championships. As a wrestling family, we share in the loss and are privileged to honor Alan Vera, his wife Elena, and their young daughter Alina. We hope to compete in a way that honors Alan’s abilities and for Alina to make a connection to her father, as she grows to understand the positive impact her father has made on our world,” said Bill Zadick, USA Wrestling National Men’s Freestyle Coach.

The 12 athletes competing at the Senior World Championships will wear AV on their singlets. The four Greco-Roman wrestlers compete October 28 and 29. The four women’s freestyle wrestlers compete on October 29 and 30. The four men’s freestyle wrestlers compete on October 30 and 31.

The Senior World Championships will be broadcast live by FloWrestling.https://flosports.link/3yQHXH2