Joe Rau makes 2019 World Team

Joe Rau won a pair of matches at Final X to secure a spot in the 2019 World Championships at 87kg in Greco-Roman. The former three time All-American and 2013 NCAA Division III champion for Elmhurst made his second senior world team by defeating two time Olympian Ben Provisor in two straight matches.

Rau trailed on criteria late in match one before driving through Provisor to earn a step out with just four seconds left to win 2-1. In match two, Rau scored on a pair of gut wrenches in the forced par terre position to take the final match 5-1.

Rau will make his second appearance in the world championships. His first appearance came in 2014 at 80kg in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He also was the 2016 Olympic Trials champion at 98kg, but the Unite States did not qualify that weight for the Rio Olympics.

Video Links (Flo subscription required)
Match 1 | Match 2
Pre-Match Interview | Post Match Interview