91°µÍø

Kyle Dake (Port Matilda, Pa./Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC) has been named 91°µÍø Athlete of the Week.

Four-time World champion Dake earned a spot on the 2026 Senior World Team this past week after beating reigning World champion Zahid Valencia, two matches to one, at 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management.

In the opening match in the best-of-three series, Dake suffered a tight 3-2 setback that came down to a takedown call on the edge of the match that gave Dake the late lead but was overturned by video review.

The two-time Olympic bronze medalist bounced back in the final two bouts with strong defensive positioning and took advantage of his scoring opportunities. In the second match against Valencia, Dake notched a 4-1 decision and then closed out the event with a 4-0 win in the winner-take-all contest.

This is Dake’s sixth time representing the U.S. at the Senior World Championships and first at 86 kg. Dake has two World titles at 74 kg, along with a World silver medal, and two World championships at 79 kg. Dake’s two Olympic bronze medals came in the 74 kg weight class.

Dake will now make his first appearance at the Senior World Championships since 2023 this October in Astana, Kazakhstan.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor, please email the athlete’s name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.