Sports
Betts: "No Regrets" with London Olympics Wrestling Result
Chas Betts hit the mat Monday in search of an Olympic medal in London. Here's a look at his experience, and his reaction to how he finished.
UPDATE (Tuesday, 9 a.m.): Betts, posting from London, left a message to his fans, family and friends via Facebook:
No medal today. Rather than talk about how much it breaks my heart, I just want to thank everyone. Anyone who ever sent a good-luck, wished me well, sent a prayer, or even a positive thought my way. It was an honor to represent the country, state, and city. Thank you.
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Eight years of hard work hit its pinnacle Monday as Chas Betts, wrestling at 185 pounds (84kg) took his Olympic dream that started in St. Michael-Albertville to London on Monday, competing in the Greco-Roman style tournament.
Betts captured a dominating win in his opening round match, making the round of 16 with a 6-0, 1-0 win over Keitani Graham of Micronesia.
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That put Betts up against P. Shorey Hernandez of Cuba in the quarterfinal round, where Hernandez held in the first period to earn a point, and then pushed out Betts in the second period to earn the 1-0, 1-0 win and advance.
All of that was pretty much expected. Betts had fallen to Hernandez at the Pan-American Games qualifier, but figured to get back into the action if Hernandez picked up a quarterfinal victory and moved into medal contention.
Instead, Hernandez was upset by Poland's Damian Janikowski in the quarterfinal, ending Betts' chances at an Olympic medal.
"No regrets," Betts told USA Wrestling Monday. "It's been an overwhelming experience. As great as everyone said it would be. The Olympics are amazing."
Betts told Patch he would decide after the London games whether or not the trip would be has last in international wrestling, culminating a career on the mat since he won gold at the Minnesota State Wrestling Championships in 2004.
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