Alex Knauf Makes History & Wins Gold in First Judo Pan Am Games

Alex Knauf (19) of Yorkville, IL made history by becoming the first ever male to win a gold medal in Judo at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games.

Alex went 3-0 defeating opponents from Ecuador and Mexico in the quarter and semi-finals before throwing his opponent from Cuba for a spectacular Ippon victory in the gold medal match. Alex is the reigning Junior Pan American Championships gold medalist as well and becomes the first ever American to hold both Championships and Games titles concurrently.

Alex represents Cohen Brothers Judo Club in Vernon Hills. In an interesting caveat, Judo winners of the Junior Pan American Games will receive direct entry to the Senior Pan American Games to be held in Santiago Chile, in 2023.

The Pan American Games are the world’s third-largest multi-sport Games, surpassed only in size by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. More than 6000 athletes from 41 countries now compete at the Pan American Games.

Alex is on the right direction to development and working his way towards the top to eventually compete in the Olympic Games.

Coach Aaron Cohen said "We are extremely proud of Alex and look forward to seeing him on top of the podium in many more competitions"