RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (July 10) -- The U17 Pan-American Beach Wrestling Championships were held in Rio de Janeiro on June 22 and it saw an overwhelming response from the Pan-Am countries.

In the eight weight classes across men's and women's, 124 wrestlers participated in the championships which was conducted in three rings, on more than the usual because of high number of participants.

In the men's category, hosts Brazil emerged as the best team with 67 points, followed by Venezuela which finished second with 54 points. Puerto Rico had two wrestlers entered and both won gold, helping the nation jump to third spot with 50 points.

It was a similar story in women's as Brazil won the team title with 70 points, thanks to two silver and two bronze medals. Peru surprised many by finishing second with 43 points including a gold medal. Venezuela was close third with 42 points. Puerto Rico managed 40 points and finished fourth in the Women's team race.

RESULTS

U17 Men's BW

60kg
GOLD: Gabriel LICON (VEN) df. Zeus GONZALEZ (MEX), 3-0

BRONZE: Haniel RODRIGUEZ (VEN) df. Andrey SANTOS (BRA), 2-1

70kg
GOLD: Joab CARRILLO (PUR) df. Marcus ANTUNES (BRA), 4-1

BRONZE: Anthony MOLINA (PER) df. Valentino CORVALAN (CHI), 3-1

80kg
GOLD: Alexander BARROS (PUR) df. Reynniel YEPEZ (VEN), via fall

BRONZE: Heder SALDANA (MEX) df. Alan GARCIA (PUR), 2-1

90kg
GOLD: Allan DE SOUSA (BRA)
SILVER: John SAENZ (GUA)
BRONZE: Jose ESPARZA (MEX)

U17 Women's BW

45kg
GOLD: Heklanys RIVERA (PUR) df. Andrea FLORES (HON), via fall

BRONZE: Sarah MARTINS (BRA) df. Heilyn AGUIRRE (COL), 2-1

55kg
GOLD: Clara RAMIREZ (PER) df. Luanny BARBOSA (BRA), 3-1

BRONZE: Stacy RODRIGUEZ (PER) df. Alejandra SERRANO (COL), 3-0

65kg
GOLD: Taina FERNANDEZ (USA) df. Yolayni ROSADO (DOM), 3-2

BRONZE: Yasmim NEPER (BRA) df. Fernanda RIFFO (CHI), via fall

75kg
GOLD: Luz CUAURO (VEN) df. Ana VICENTE (BRA), 3-0

BRONZE: Mayara NEPER (BRA) df. Linda MARTINEZ (MEX), 3-1