Former St. Charles East standout becomes first Buckeye to win a U23 World Championship.
Illinois wrestling standout and four-time state champion Ben Davino added another impressive accomplishment to his wrestling resume Saturday night, capturing the 61 kg freestyle gold medal at the 2026 U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Davino, a former St. Charles East High School star and current Ohio State Buckeye, defeated Iukhan Dokturbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan, 4-1, in the championship match to secure his first World title. With the victory, Davino also made Ohio State history, becoming the first Buckeye wrestler to capture a U23 World Championship.
For those who followed Davino throughout his Illinois high school career, his success on the international stage should come as no surprise. The South Elgin native established himself as one of the most dominant wrestlers in Illinois history, winning four state championships while compiling an incredible 181-1 high school record at St. Charles East.
Now, just a few years removed from his high school career, Davino has taken his talents to the international stage and proven he belongs among the best young wrestlers in the world.
Davino Controls Gold Medal Match
In Saturday night’s championship match, Davino wasted little time establishing his aggressive style against Dokturbek Uulu.
Within the opening seconds, Davino attacked with a quick low single-leg shot, immediately putting his opponent on the defensive. Although he was unable to finish the takedown, Davino continued working through the position and eventually forced Dokturbek Uulu out of bounds for a step-out point and an early 1-0 lead.
