How to Watch Olympic Wrestling Trials 2024: Comprehensive Viewing Guide

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The Olympic Wrestling Trials are a crucial event in the world of wrestling, determining which athletes will represent their country at the Olympic Games. For the United States, the 2024 Olympic Wrestling Trials promise to be an exciting and highly competitive event, showcasing the nation’s top wrestling talent. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to watch and enjoy the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials.

Event Details

Before diving into the viewing options, let’s review the key details of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials:

• Date: April 19-20, 2024 (tentative, subject to change)
• Location: State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois (tentative, subject to change)
• Styles: Men’s Freestyle, Women’s Freestyle, and Men’s Greco-Roman

Television Broadcast

The primary broadcaster for the Olympic Wrestling Trials is typically NBC and its family of networks. While the exact broadcast schedule for 2024 is not yet available, based on previous years, we can expect the following:

1. NBC: May air the finals of key weight classes
2. NBCSN: Likely to broadcast earlier rounds and some finals
3. Olympic Channel: May provide more extensive coverage of all rounds

Pro Tip: As the event date approaches, check NBC’s official Olympic coverage schedule for the most up-to-date information on which matches will air on each channel.

Streaming Options

For those who prefer to stream the trials or don’t have access to cable TV, there are several options available:

1. Peacock

NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, is likely to be a primary platform for watching the Olympic Wrestling Trials.

• Cost:
  • Peacock Premium: $4.99/month (with ads)
  • Peacock Premium Plus: $9.99/month (ad-free)
• Features:
  • Live streaming of NBC’s Olympic coverage
  • On-demand replays
  • Exclusive content and analysis
• How to Access:
  1. Visit peacocktv.com or download the Peacock app
  2. Sign up for an account
  3. Choose your subscription tier
  4. Navigate to the Olympic Wrestling Trials section during the event

2. NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports App

NBC typically offers streaming of Olympic events, including the trials, on its website and through the NBC Sports app.

• Cost: Free with cable/satellite subscription that includes NBC
• Features:
  • Live streaming of all broadcast coverage
  • Possible additional streams of simultaneous matches
  • Highlights and on-demand replays
• How to Access:
  1. Visit NBCOlympics.com or download the NBC Sports app
  2. Log in with your TV provider credentials
  3. Navigate to the Wrestling Trials section

3. USA Wrestling Platforms

USA Wrestling, the national governing body for wrestling in the United States, may offer some level of coverage on its platforms.

• Possible Platforms:
  • FloWrestling (subscription required)
  • USA Wrestling’s YouTube channel
  • Trackwrestling.com
• Content:
  • Live scoring updates
  • Possible streaming of select matches
  • Interviews and behind-the-scenes content
• How to Access:
  1. Visit USA Wrestling’s official website for information on their coverage plans
  2. Follow their social media accounts for updates and links to live content

4. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV

These streaming services offer live TV packages that include NBC channels.

• Cost: Varies by service (typically $50-$70/month as of 2023)
• Features:
  • Live streaming of NBC channels
  • Cloud DVR functionality to record matches
  • Access to other sports and entertainment content
• How to Access:
  1. Sign up for the service of your choice
  2. Download the app or visit the website
  3. Navigate to NBC channels during the trials

Social Media Coverage

While not a primary viewing method, social media platforms can enhance your Olympic Wrestling Trials experience:

1. Twitter: Follow @USAWrestling and @NBCOlympics for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content
2. Instagram: Check @USAWrestling and @NBCOlympics for photos and short video clips
3. Facebook: The USA Wrestling and NBC Olympics pages may offer live discussions and video highlights

Viewing Tips for the Best Experience

To make the most of your Olympic Wrestling Trials viewing experience, consider these tips:

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the tournament structure and how wrestlers qualify for the Olympics.
2. Know the Styles: Understand the differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
3. Research the Contenders: Learn about the top wrestlers in each weight class before the trials.
4. Use a Second Screen: Keep a device handy to follow live brackets and results while watching the broadcast.
5. Join Online Discussions: Engage with other fans in online forums or social media groups dedicated to wrestling.
6. Set Up Alerts: Configure alerts on your phone or email for key matches or results, especially if you can’t watch all the action live.
7. Prepare for Long Viewing Sessions: The trials can last for hours each day. Ensure you’re comfortable and have snacks and drinks ready.

Weight Classes to Watch

The Olympic Wrestling Trials will feature competition in the following weight classes:

Men’s Freestyle

• 57 kg (125.5 lbs)
• 65 kg (143 lbs)
• 74 kg (163 lbs)
• 86 kg (189 lbs)
• 97 kg (213 lbs)
• 125 kg (275 lbs)

Women’s Freestyle

• 50 kg (110 lbs)
• 53 kg (116.5 lbs)
• 57 kg (125.5 lbs)
• 62 kg (136.5 lbs)
• 68 kg (149.5 lbs)
• 76 kg (167.5 lbs)

Men’s Greco-Roman

• 60 kg (132 lbs)
• 67 kg (147.5 lbs)
• 77 kg (169.5 lbs)
• 87 kg (191.5 lbs)
• 97 kg (213 lbs)
• 130 kg (286 lbs)

Note: Keep an eye out for returning Olympians, NCAA champions, and rising stars in each weight class.

Understanding the Trials Format

The Olympic Wrestling Trials typically follow a specific format:

1. Challenge Tournament: Wrestlers compete in a bracket-style tournament to determine who will face the defending national champion.
2. Best-of-Three Finals: The winner of the challenge tournament faces the defending national champion in a best-of-three series.
3. True Third Match: In some cases, a “true third” match may be held to determine an alternate for the Olympic team.

Key Dates Leading Up to the Trials

While the exact schedule may vary, here are some key events to watch for in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Wrestling Trials:

• Fall 2023: U.S. Open (often serves as a qualifier for the trials)
• Early 2024: Dave Schultz Memorial International (important preparatory tournament)
• Spring 2024: Last Chance Qualifier (final opportunity to earn a spot in the trials)

Preparing for the Trials

As the event approaches, here are some steps to ensure you’re ready for the Olympic Wrestling Trials:

1. Mark Your Calendar: Set reminders for the trials dates and any pre-trials events you want to follow.
2. Subscribe to Services: If you plan to use a streaming service, subscribe and test it out well in advance.
3. Join Fan Communities: Engage with wrestling fan communities online to stay updated on news and predictions.
4. Study the Contenders: Familiarize yourself with the top contenders in each weight class.
5. Plan Viewing Parties: Consider organizing or joining viewing parties for a more social experience.
6. Follow Pre-Trials Coverage: Many wrestling websites and podcasts will offer previews and predictions in the weeks leading up to the trials.

The Significance of the Olympic Trials

The Olympic Wrestling Trials are more than just a qualifying event; they represent:

1. The Culmination of Years of Training: For many wrestlers, the trials are the pinnacle of their career, representing years of dedication and sacrifice.
2. A Showcase of American Wrestling Talent: The trials bring together the best wrestlers from across the country, including NCAA champions, world team members, and returning Olympians.
3. High-Stakes Competition: With only one spot per weight class available for the Olympics, the pressure and intensity are unmatched.
4. A Glimpse of Olympic Potential: Performances at the trials can indicate how U.S. wrestlers might fare on the global stage at the Olympics.

After the Trials: Road to Paris 2024

Once the Olympic team is selected, the focus shifts to preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics:

1. Training Camps: Team members will participate in intensive training camps.
2. International Competitions: Wrestlers may compete in select international tournaments to prepare for Olympic-level competition.
3. Media Coverage: Expect increased media attention on the Olympic wrestling team members.
4. Final Preparations: In the weeks leading up to the Olympics, the team will fine-tune their strategies and conditioning.

Conclusion

The 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials promise to be an exciting and crucial event in the world of wrestling. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the trials offer a unique opportunity to witness the best wrestlers in the country compete for the honor of representing the United States at the Olympic Games.

By utilizing the viewing options outlined in this guide – whether through cable TV, streaming services, or online platforms – you can ensure that you don’t miss a moment of the action. Remember to check for updated information as the event draws closer, as broadcast details and streaming options may be subject to change.

Prepare yourself for two days of intense competition, inspiring performances, and the realization of Olympic dreams. The Olympic Wrestling Trials are more than just a tournament; they’re a celebration of the dedication, skill, and spirit of America’s top wrestlers.

Get ready to witness history in the making at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials!