Galoust Gregory Torosian Withdraws from U17 World Championships Citing Safety Concerns
Galoust Gregory Torosian, a prominent member of Team USA and the 2026 U.S. Open champion, has officially withdrawn from the U17 World Championships set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, due to safety concerns related to his Armenian-American Christian identity.
Torosian announced his decision through a statement released by the World Team Training Center, expressing deep concerns for his safety while traveling to Azerbaijan. He highlighted the risks associated with his ethnicity and religion, stating that his family could not overlook these dangers.
The withdrawal marks a significant moment for Torosian, who described it as one of the toughest decisions of his career. He mentioned that despite reaching out multiple times to United World Wrestling (UWW) leadership regarding his safety concerns, he felt that his issues were not adequately addressed.
In his statement, Torosian emphasized that his decision was rooted in principle rather than fear, advocating for the rights of athletes to compete without the burden of safety worries due to their background. He voiced his support for Team USA and the U.S. Open runner-up, wishing them success despite his absence.
Torosian remains hopeful for his future, affirming his pride in representing his country and his Armenian heritage. He concluded by stating that while this chapter is ending, his journey in sports is far from over, with aspirations towards the LA28 Olympics.