Already one of the state’s best wrestlers, Levi Hopkins added a Pan-Am Games gold medal to his resume. Photo courtesy Campbell University
The Americas didn’t stand a chance against Palmer’s Levi Hopkins.
The former Alaska state wrestling champion out of Colony High didn’t yield a point in three matches at the U23 Pan-American Games in Santiago, Colombia.
Hopkins outscored opponents 32-0 to claim the gold medal as the 202-pound was one of nine Team USA wrestlers to take first in their weight class and one of four to win all his matches by bonus points.
“Getting to train with Team USA and compete for my country was an amazing opportunity,” Hopkins said in a release.
“It’s definitely a dream come true.”
Hopkins beat Ricardo Gomez of Argentina 10-0, Erwin Vargas Martinez of Mexico 11-0 and Marlon Londono of Colombia 11-0.
“I learned a ton from this experience, and I hope it helps me to improve and grow in my career,” Hopkins said. “I had a blast wrestling for Team USA.”
Hopkins is entering his final season at Campbell University, where he has compiled 66 wins, which ranks eighth best among Alaskans at the Division I level. He is a two-time NCAA qualifier.
