Club/FS/G-R Results

Olympic medalist Brandon Slay was in Minneapolis October 20-21 for the University of Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Clinic.

Slay, a native of Amarillo Texas, shared his Olympic experience as well as wrestling technique with the coaches and University of Minnesota wrestlers who attended the clinic.

Slay brought home the silver medal (freestyle - 76 kg/167.5 lb.) after losing a controversial 4-0 decision to Germany's Alexander Leipold in the gold medal match.

In the match, Leipold was awarded two penalty points for Slay's apparent failure to allow Leipold an appropriate hand lock in the "clinch" position. Slay insists that Leipold could have easily locked his hands and that Leipold put on a superb acting performance worthy of an academy award. Slay was next penalized a point for squeezing Leipold's fingers too hard, causing Leipold to scream in pain (another acting job according to Slay). By this time, Leipold's 3-0 lead was too much for Slay to make up.

The loss was hard to take for Slay who described the situation as, "the worst scenario I'd ever been in -- in the biggest match I'd ever been in." Slay refused to shake hands with the referee or his opponent following the match.

"I really believed I could win that match," said Slay, who was criticized for how he handled the loss.

Slay told coaches at the clinic that after the loss It took him about three days before he could start smiling again.

After returning from Sydney, Slay issued a statement apologizing for his actions following the gold medal match.

"While I was disappointed with the match outcome and with several of the official's calls, there is no excuse for not shaking hands and following proper post-match etiquette. In addition, my comments at the post-match press conference were an initial gut reaction, made in the heat of battle."

"I did not show proper respect for the winner of the Gold Medal nor for the officials. For this, I apologize. I am so proud to have won the Silver Medal for my country and wonderful supporters and consider it an honor to have wrestled a champion like Alexander Leipold, regardless of the outcome."

In a twist of fate, the gold medal may be headed Slay's way after Germany's Leipold tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone following Olympic competition. The verdict is expected soon from the International Olympic Committee who have yet to rule on the findings. Leipold has denied taking any banned substances.

Slay isn't sure how to feel about the possibility of receiving the gold medal this way. "My dream was to win gold on the mat," stated Slay.

Slay, who is still taking in everything that goes along with winning an Olympic medal, is undecided about his plans for competing in future world championships or Olympics. "Any time your emotions are up and down, its not a good time to make such decisions," said Slay.

For now, he is just enjoying visiting schools, sharing his experience, and inspiring kids to dream.

Update! - Brandon Slay officially awarded Gold medal

Learn more about Brandon Slay at: www.brandonslay.com