Greco-Roman National Team member Alan Vera, 33, has passed away

USA Wrestling was devastated to receive information that one of its current Greco-Roman National Team members, Alan Vera of Guttenburg, N.J., 33, passed away last night.

Vera suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing soccer this past summer and had been hospitalized since then in recovery from his serious health challenges.

We ask people to keep Alan’s family and his friends around the world in their thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Alan’s wife is Elena Pirozkhova, a two-time U.S. Olympian and World champion in women’s freestyle wrestling, along with their infant daughter Alina.

“Our hearts have been broken. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan. The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world,” said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender.

“Ever since he came into my life in 2016, he has been a true leader, always ready to do anything for anyone in need. His selflessness and dedication have made a lasting impact on me,” said USA Wrestling National Greco-Roman Coach Herb House.

Alan Vera was born in Cuba and become a world-class Greco-Roman wrestler on the Cuban National Team. Vera won a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and a gold medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships, while competing for Cuba.

Vera immigrated to the United States and lived in Florida for a number of years. He continued to train and compete in Greco-Roman, while pursuing U.S. citizenship. Vera competed in various international events for a few years, until he became eligible to wrestle for the United States. He wrestled for the New York Athletic Club.

Vera qualified for and competed in the 2021 and 2022 Senior World Championships at 86 kg for Team USA and has been a member of the Greco-Roman National Team for the last four years. Most recently, Vera placed second in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in State College, Pa., earning the No. 2 spot on 2024-25 Greco-Roman National Team at 97 kg.

By reaching the finals of the 2024 Pan American Olympic Qualification Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, Vera was able to qualify the United States for the 2024 Olympic Games at 97 kg. Vera also boasts two Pan American Championships medals for the United States, claiming a silver medal in 2024 and a bronze medal in 2023. Vera claimed his first U.S Senior Nationals title in 2020, and won four Senior National titles during his career.

Vera was well-known for his exciting style of wrestling, which often included high-amplitude throws and strong par-terre skills which led to many exposures on the mat. However, he will be remembered more for the kind of man that he was, a positive, friendly, up-beat person who brought joy to those around him.

USA Wrestling has not yet received any information on services or other memorial events scheduled to celebrate the life of Alan Vera, but will share any updates as received.

USA Wrestling is working with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to provide support and resources to our National Team athletes in dealing with this tragedy. If there is anyone from the USA Wrestling family who would benefit from access to available resources, please contact Cody Bickley at cbickley@usawrestling.org.