By hawkeyesports.com

ASTANA, Kazakhstan — Former University of Iowa wrestling national champion and Hawkeye Wrestling Club member Spencer Lee captured the 2026 UWW World Championship at 57 kilograms Sunday, defeating Mexico’s Roman Bravo-Young, 10-0, in the gold-medal match at Barys Arena.

Lee needed just 26 seconds to secure the technical-superiority victory, earning his first senior-level World title.

Lee is the sixth Hawkeye wrestler to win a World Championship and one of 26 Olympic and World Team members coached by Iowa head coach Tom Brands during his tenure in Iowa City.

Thomas Gilman was the last Hawkeye to win a World title in 2021. Bill Zadick won in 2006, while Brands won gold in 1993. Iowa associate head coach Terry Brands was a World champion in 1993 and 1995, and Chris Campbell won gold in 1981.

The title adds to an already decorated international resume for Lee. The 2024 Olympic silver medalist previously won two U20 World Championships and a U17 World Championship.

Since its inception in 1973, the Hawkeye Wrestling Club has focused on providing the training, coaching and resources necessary to help athletes pursue World and Olympic success. Lee’s championship is the latest example of that mission, adding another World gold medal to the program’s international legacy.