Kizhan Clarke

Last updated
Kizhan Clarke
Personal information
Full nameKizhan Andre Clarke
Born (1997-12-16) December 16, 1997 (age 26)
Wiesbaden, Germany
Home town Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Sport
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States (2018–2022)
Flag of Germany.svg Germany (2023–present)
Sport Wrestling
Weight class65 kg (143 lb)
Event(s) Freestyle and Folkstyle
College team Tar Heels
ClubTar Heel Wrestling Club
AC Lichtenfels
Coached by Rob Koll
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing Flag of Germany.svg Germany
European Championships
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2024 Bucharest 65 kg
Grand Prix
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2023 Nice 65 kg
German Nationals
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2023 Heidelberg 65 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the North Carolina Tar Heels
NCAA Division I Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2022 Detroit 141 lb

Kizhan Andre Clarke (born 16 December 1997) is a German-American freestyle wrestler who competes internationally at 65 kilograms. [1] He was a medalist at the European Championship and the Grand Prix Henri Deglane, and was also an NCAA Division I National runner-up out of the University of North Carolina. [2]

Contents

Career

High school

Clarke was born in Wiesbaden, Germany to an American father and a German mother, and moved to Dallas, Texas at the age of one before moving to Florida in seventh grade. [3] He started wrestling as a freshman at Riverview High School in Riverview, Florida, and became a state champion and two-time finalist before graduating. [4]

American University

2016–2017

Clarke wore a redshirt during his first year wrestling for the American Eagles, winning over 30 matches and placing at six tournaments. [5]

2017–2018

Clarke went 16–13 as the team's starter at 141 pounds, and was unable to place at the EIWA Championships or qualify for the NCAA's. [5] After the season, he competed in freestyle at the US Open and the U23 US World Team Trials, but was unable to place.

2018–2019

Clarke then moved up to 157 pounds, recording a 26–13 record and placing seventh at the EIWA Championships, though missing a trip to NCAA's. [5] After the season, he once again competed at the US Open and the U23 US World Team Trials though was unable to place. [6]

2019–2020

Dropping down to 149 pounds, Clarke improved to a 35–7 record, placed fourth at the EIWA Championships and qualified for the NCAA tournament. [7] However, the tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [8] In November 2020, Clarke went 4–2 at the US U23 National Championships but was unable to place. [9]

University of North Carolina

2021–2022

In March 2021, Clarke went 2–2 at the US Last Chance Qualifier, failing to qualify for the US Olympic Team Trials. [10]

After being unable to compete during the 2020–2021 season due to COVID-19 protocols, Clarke transferred to the University of North Carolina for his final year. [10] Back down to 141, Clarke posted a 17–1 record during the regular season before going 0–2 at the ACC Championships, requiring an at-large berth to qualify for the NCAA tournament. [11]

Ranked as the fifteenth-seed, Clarke avenged a loss suffered at the ACC Championship in the first round, and took out returning NCAA finalist Jaydin Eierman to advance to the quarterfinals. [12] After beating the tenth-seed to reach the semi-finals, Clarke defeated the sixth-seed on ultimate tie-breaker to reach the finals. [13] In the finals, Clarke fell to returning champion Nick Lee, though earned runner-up and All-American honors and closed his final year at 21–4. [14]

Germany

2023

In January, Clarke returned to freestyle and represented Germany for the first time in international competition, at the Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane. He defeated fellow NCAA runner-up Ridge Lovett and veteran Evan Henderson to make the finals, where he was defeated by All-American Pat Lugo. [15]

In April, Clarke defeated Niklas Dorn in a best-of-three wrestle-off to determine Germany's starter. [16] He then went 1–1 at the European Championships, defeating Italy's Colin Realbuto though falling to U20 World Champion Erik Arushanian. [17]

In June, Clarke became a German National champion with three wins over fellow countrymen. [18] He then competed at the Stepan Sargsyan Cup in Armenia, defeating an opponent from Kazakhstan before falling to U20 World Champion Peiman Biabani. [19] In July, he competed at the Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial Tournament, though was eliminated by North Carolina teammate Lachlan McNeil. [20]

From September to November, Clarke competed in the German Bundesliga, where he participated in six dual meets for AC Lichtenfels and emerged victorious in four of them. [21]

2024

In February, Clarke earned a bronze medal from the European Continental Championships, with a notable victory over Individual World Cup and U23 World Champion Vazgen Tevanyan. [22] He competed at the 2024 European Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan hoping to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. [23] He was eliminated in his first match and he did not qualify for the Olympics. [23]

Freestyle record

Senior Freestyle Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEventLocation
2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament DNP at 65 kg
Loss34–20 Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Adlan Askarov3–6May 11, 2024 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament

Flag of Turkey.svg Istanbul, Turkey

2024 European Championships Bronze medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Win34–19 Flag of Georgia.svg Goderdzi Dzebisashvili5–3February 16–17, 2024 2024 European Continental Championships

Flag of Romania.svg Bucharest, Romania

Win33–19 Flag of Armenia.svg Vazgen Tevanyan 3–2
Loss32–19 Flag of Russia.svg Gadzhimurad Rashidov 0–6
Win32–18 Flag of North Macedonia.svg Besir AliliFall
Win31–18 Flag of Germany.svg Danny MayrTF 16–0November 25, 20232023 KG Baienfurt/Ravensburg – AC Lichtenfels (71 kg)

Flag of Germany.svg Germany

Win30–18 Flag of Germany.svg Magomed Kartojev8–2November 18, 20232023 AC Lichtenfels – SV Wacker Burghausen (71 kg)
Win29–18 Flag of Germany.svg Dawid Volny7–0November 4, 20232023 ASV Schorndorf – AC Lichtenfels (71 kg)
Loss28–18 Flag of Moldova.svg Nicolai Grahmez1–9October 21, 20232023 AC Lichtenfels – RSV Rotation Greiz (75 kg)
Win28–17 Flag of Germany.svg Roman WaltersTF 17–0October 2, 20232023 AC Lichtenfels – AV Germania Markneukirchen (66 kg)
Loss27–17 Flag of Albania.svg Islam Dudaev 2–10September 30, 20232023 AC Lichtenfels – ASV Schorndorf (66 kg)
2023 Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial 15th at 65 kg
Loss27–16 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Lachlan McNeil 3–5July 13, 2023 2023 Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial

Flag of Hungary.svg Budapest, Hungary

2023 Stepan Sargsyan Cup 7th at 65 kg
Loss26–15 Flag of Iran.svg Peiman Biabani 1–3June 15–17, 20232023 Stepan Sargsyan Cup

Flag of Armenia.svg Yerevan, Armenia

Win26–14 Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Timur Aitkulov11–10
2023 German Nationals Gold medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Win25–14 Flag of Germany.svg Niklas Dorn6–1June 8–11, 20232023 Deutsche Meisterschaft Männer

Flag of Germany.svg Heidelberg, Germany

Win24–14 Flag of Germany.svg Victor Lyzen4–0
Win23–14 Flag of Germany.svg Alexander Semisorow6–4
2023 European Championships 10th at 65 kg
Loss22–14 Flag of Ukraine.svg Erik Arushanian 2–2April 17, 2023 2023 European Continental Championships

Flag of Croatia.svg Zagreb, Croatia

Win22–13 Flag of Italy.svg Colin Realbuto3–0
2023 German World Team Trials Gold medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Win21–13 Flag of Germany.svg Niklas Dorn6–0April 1–2, 20232023 German World Team Trials

Flag of Germany.svg Germany

Win20–13 Flag of Germany.svg Niklas Dorn4–0
2023 Henri Deglane Grand Prix Silver medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Loss19–13 Flag of the United States.svg Pat Lugo0–7January 20–22, 2023 Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane 2023

Flag of France.svg Nice, France

Win19–12 Flag of the United States.svg Evan Henderson10–8
Win18–12 Flag of the United States.svg Ridge Lovett4–1
Win17–12 Flag of France.svg Quentin StickerTF 11–0
2021 US Last Chance DNP at 65 kg
Loss16–12 Flag of the United States.svg Mitch McKeeTF 1–12March 27, 20212021 US Last Chance Olympic Trials Qualifier

Flag of the United States.svg Fort Worth, Texas

Loss16–11 Flag of the United States.svg Evan HendersonTF 2–13
Win16–10 Flag of the United States.svg Dean Heil 9–2
Win15–10 Flag of the United States.svg Mitch McKeeTF 14–4
2020 U23 US Nationals 4th at 65 kg
Loss14–10 Flag of the United States.svg Max MurinTF 0–10November 13–15, 20202020 U23 US National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Omaha, Nebraska

Win14–9 Flag of the United States.svg Clay CarlsonTF 10–0
Loss13–9 Flag of the United States.svg Don Demas3–5
Win13–8 Flag of the United States.svg Cael HappelTF 10–0
Win12–8 Flag of the United States.svg James EmmerTF 10–0
Win11–8 Flag of the United States.svg Tony MendozaTF 11–0
2019 U23 US World Team Trials DNP at 70 kg
Loss10–8 Flag of the United States.svg Benjamin LamantiaTF 0–11June 1–3, 20192019 U23 US World Team Trials Challenge

Flag of the United States.svg Akron, Ohio

Win10–7 Flag of the United States.svg Mike Van Brill5–1
Win9–7 Flag of the United States.svg Seth Hogue7–6
Win8–7 Flag of the United States.svg Anthony ScantlinTF 10–0
Loss7–7 Flag of the United States.svg Kendall Coleman3–7
Win7–6 Flag of the United States.svg Benjamin Brancale8–6
Win6–6 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin BudockTF 12–1
2019 US Open DNP at 70 kg
Loss5–6 Flag of the United States.svg Jake KeatingTF 1–12April 23–26, 20192019 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win5–5 Flag of the United States.svg Zehlin Storr6–1
Loss4–5 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Nolf TF 0–10
Win4–4 Flag of the United States.svg Carlos HerreraTF 14–2
2018 U23 US World Team Trials DNP at 70 kg
Loss3–4 Flag of the United States.svg Matthew Kolodzik2–6June 1–3, 20182018 U23 US World Team Trials Challenge

Flag of the United States.svg Akron, Ohio

Loss3–3 Flag of the United States.svg Hayden HidlayTF 0–10
Win3–2 Flag of the United States.svg Austin SingerTF 10–0
Win2–2 Flag of the United States.svg Sammy PeticosTF 10–0
2018 US Open DNP at 70 kg
Loss1–2 Flag of the United States.svg Josh ReyesTF 0–10April 24–28, 20182018 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Jacob HatleyTF 10–0
Loss0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Matthew KolodzikTF 5–16

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References

  1. ↑ "Clarke To Compete In European Championships". University of North Carolina Athletics. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  2. ↑ "March 2024 International Men's Freestyle Rankings". THE FIGHT SITE. 2024-03-06. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  3. ↑ "Lawyer in the Making: Unlocking Ki Zhan Clarke". American University. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  4. ↑ "Riverview's Kizhan Clarke makes a name for himself in wrestling". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  5. 1 2 3 "Kizhan Clarke – 2020–21 – Wrestling". American University. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  6. ↑ "These are the wrestlers outside the top 10 we might see make the NCAA finals | NCAA.com". www.ncaa.com. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  7. ↑ "Kizhan Clarke Remains Undefeated, Leads Wrestling at Navy Classic". American University. 2019-11-23. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  8. ↑ Goodwin, Cody. "NCAA cancels Division I, II, III wrestling championships amid COVID-19 pandemic". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  9. ↑ Bray, David (2020-11-09). "Who's Registered For 2020 UWW Jr & U23 Nationals?". FloWrestling. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  10. 1 2 "UNC Wrestling Adds Kizhan Clarke For 2021–22 Season". University of North Carolina Athletics. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  11. ↑ Hamilton, Andy (2022-03-29). "Overcomers: Kizhan Clarke Laid Down The Law During Run To NCAA Finals". FloWrestling. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  12. ↑ Bill Evans (2022-03-18). "NCAA Wrestling Championships, 2022: 8 N.J. wrestlers reach quarterfinals". nj. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  13. ↑ "Pitt's Cole Matthews Earns NCAA All-America Status". Pitt Panthers #H2P. 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  14. ↑ "Clarke Caps Off Season With Runner Up Finish". University of North Carolina Athletics. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  15. ↑ "American Men's Freestyle Rankings – February 20th, 2023". InterMat. 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  16. ↑ "Kizhan Clarke To Compete In European Wrestling Championships". Tar Heel Times. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  17. ↑ admin (2023-04-28). "3x Bronze für ACL-Eagles". AC Lichtenfels – Bundesliga Ringen (in German). Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  18. ↑ admin (2023-06-12). "Gold für Hannes Wagner und Kizhan Clarke". AC Lichtenfels – Bundesliga Ringen (in German). Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  19. ↑ "Stepan Sargsyan Cup 2023 wrestling". uww.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  20. ↑ jeandaniel. "Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial". United World Wrestling. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  21. ↑ admin (2023-11-26). "22:5 Sieg in Baienfurt. Revanche geglückt!". AC Lichtenfels – Bundesliga Ringen (in German). Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  22. ↑ admin (2024-02-19). "4 Medaillen bei der Europameisterschaft". AC Lichtenfels – Bundesliga Ringen (in German). Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  23. 1 2 "2024 European Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament Results Book" (PDF). United World Wrestling. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
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