Six soldier-athletes from the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program will carry Army pride and medal ambitions to the 2026 United World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, Oct. 24 through Nov. 1.
The four Greco-Roman wrestlers and two women's freestyle wrestlers account for 20% of Team USA's 30-person roster, underscoring the program's significant contribution to the nation's international wrestling success.
"It's always an honor to go out there and represent the World Class Athlete Program, the Army and the United States on the global stage," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Spenser Mango, the Army's Greco-Roman wrestling coach and two-time Olympian, participating in his 14th world championships as a competitor and coach. "It doesn't get better than that."
Army Sgt. Kamal Bey, 82 kg
This is the fifth world championships for Bey, who finished 10th at 77 kg in last year's world championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
Bey said moving up to 82 kg was more of a health decision to prepare his body before cutting down to 77 kg for the Olympic push, but he's not giving up anything by moving up a weight class.
"It definitely feels good," said Bey, a 2024 Olympian whose military occupational specialty is culinary specialist. "I'm filling out the weight class. I got in the weight room, worked with the coaches, and I'm getting bigger, stronger, faster, and most importantly, I'm healing up. I'm not giving up anything by moving up to 82 kg; I'll tell you that."
Bey's experience makes him an important resource to his teammates competing on the world stage, some for the first time.
"He's been doing this for a while," said Army Spc. Timothy Young, who will represent Team USA at 97 kg. "I'm always taking whatever I can from him because he's done this a few times."
For Bey, there's no better feeling than representing the United States on all fronts, not only as a citizen but as a soldier.
"When WCAP and All-Army post about us and share what we're doing, I know it gives fellow soldiers something to be proud of," Bey said. "It shows that somebody just like them is out there accomplishing amazing things. It also shows civilians there are different avenues within the Army to achieve success. I don't think there's any other country in the world I'd rather represent."
Army Sgt. Dalton Roberts, 60 kg
This will be the third world championships for Roberts, a motor transport operator who relishes being one of the senior competitors for both Army WCAP and Team USA.
"I'd say the team cohesion is really high," Roberts said. "In Greco-Roman wrestling, there's always been a strong brotherhood, so that's nothing new, but something feels different this year. We all get along well, we push each other, and we hold each other accountable."
Working with new sports psychologists, new strength and training coaches, and more international travel has boosted the team's confidence going into the world championships, Roberts said, adding it has also boosted his own confidence.
"I believe I can accomplish what I want; I just have to put it all together on the day of competition," he said. "I believe this year is the time to do it."
Representing the Army and the United States on the world stage is a privilege Roberts doesn't take for granted.
"It's a beautiful thing, and it's an honor," he said. "I carry a great deal of pride on my shoulders when I get these opportunities. It's awesome."
Army Staff Sgt. Xavier Johnson, 63 kg
Johnson, a motor transport operator, returns to the world championships after making his senior-level debut in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2023. The difference this time is perspective.
Johnson admitted he was initially caught up in the magnitude of his first world championships. Three years later, he views himself as a seasoned competitor who belongs among the world's best athletes.
"It's not a mistake that I got here," he said. "It was supposed to happen the way it happened."
He has also approached his weight management more scientifically. Although cutting to 63 kg remains demanding, Johnson said this cycle has been easier than previous attempts because he began managing his weight earlier and more deliberately.
Johnson believes WCAP's qualifiers are carrying teammates who could not compete because of injuries or military requirements. That collective responsibility — and the emergence of strong domestic Greco-Roman programs — has given the Army wrestlers added motivation.
"This is bigger than just myself," Johnson said. "It's for the people behind me as well."
Army Spc. Timothy Young, 97 kg
Young, a unit supply specialist, made his first world championships by turning a difficult moment at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas in April into a defining tournament.
After losing his second match in the best-of-3 final, Young recognized that nobody would give him a place on the world team. He responded by increasing his aggression.
"This isn't going to be just given to me," he said. "I have to go out there and take it if I really want this."
Traveling to a previous world championships as a teammate's training partner made the goal feel attainable.
Former world champion and WCAP coach Dremiel Byers, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, told Young the experience would leave him hungrier.
Young said Byers was right.
"Ever since I've been at WCAP, he's the one coach where I'm like, 'This is the guy I want in my corner,'" Young said. "He's definitely one person I can trust."
A tall wrestler for his class, Young intends to maximize his leverage from the top position, securing his lock quickly and lifting opponents before they can defend.
"I get really excited when I get my chance on top. I'm like, 'This is it right here,'" Young said. "My coach tells me: 'Tim, get right to your lock, get them up and send them. Don't waste any time. Just lock it and get it up.'"
Young said competing in his first world championships fulfills his four core principles.
"I get to go out there and represent God, family, country and wrestling," he said. "It just feels really good. I get to honor all of them every time I step on the mat."
Army Spc. Abby Nette, 59 kg
Nette, a culinary specialist, returns to the world championships for the first time since placing 10th in 2022, carrying sharper execution and a clearer competitive identity.
She attributes much of her renewed purpose to her father, who died in 2025. Before his death, he urged her to keep moving forward and told her how proud he was.
"Now I do it for both of us," Nette said.
Nette said she has finally learned to trust the complete wrestler she has become, and she understands how her individual strengths work together.
"For the first time ever, I know exactly who I am," she said.
She also draws confidence from WCAP's institutional support. Nette said she never has to enter a competition questioning whether her unit and the Army stand behind her.
"That's something beautiful about WCAP," she said. "It's also a privilege to represent the United States of America and the U.S. Army. As a U.S. soldier, that's really cool to say."
Army Spc. Aduago Nwachukwu, 62 kg
Nwachukwu, who earned a silver medal on Oct. 16 at the 2026 Under-23 World Championships in Las Vegas, begins her second senior world championships campaign after placing seventh in 2025.
Her preparation has centered on disciplined weight management while transitioning from the U-23 world championships to the senior tournament. Instead of regaining substantial weight between events, she remained close to 62 kg, expecting the controlled cut to improve her performance.
Nwachukwu's confidence comes from results. She has defeated wrestlers who later competed for senior world medals, which convinced her she can reach the podium — and the top step.
"I'm on that level where I know I can be a world champion," she said.
For Nwachukwu, competing as a member of the Army WCAP also represents a rare union of service and sport.
"Serving your country while doing the thing you love most is a blessing and a privilege," she said. "I always tell people it's the best thing you could ever do."
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