Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
In a landmark decision that signals a significant step forward for gender equity in sports, the NCAA has officially approved the addition of women's wrestling as a championship sport across all three divisions, effective with the inaugural championship set to take place in 2026. This monumental move comes after the NCAA's Division I council voted in favor of the measure earlier this week, followed by endorsements from Division II and III. Council chairperson Josh Whitman, who is also the athletic director at the University of Illinois, expressed palpable excitement about the decision. "It was a moment for applause in the room," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of providing enhanced opportunities for women athletes at the collegiate level. The approval reflects the growing recognition of women's sports and aims to foster an environment where female athletes can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Currently, 76 women's wrestling programs exist within NCAA institutions, and over 1,200 women are actively competing in these programs. The NCAA anticipates the addition of at least 17 more programs in the near future, although specific schools and divisions that will expand their offerings are yet to be determined. Athletic directors across the country are faced with the challenge of balancing their budgets amidst the complexities of NIL (name, image, likeness) deals and revenue-sharing discussions, making the timing of this decision particularly intriguing. Nevertheless, the rise of women's wrestling is poised to unlock new avenues for female athletes, many of whom have been honing their skills in youth and high school wrestling programs for years. Rich Bender, executive director of USA Wrestling, hailed the decision, noting that women's wrestling is recognized as the fastest-growing sport for young women in the United States. “We thank each of the NCAA institutions which have already added women's wrestling for their leadership and vision and invite others to consider providing this opportunity,” Bender stated, underscoring the collaborative effort that brought this vision to fruition. The addition of NCAA programs is expected to elevate the sport's profile, further enriching the landscape of collegiate athletics. Prominent figures in the sport, such as Kennedy Blades, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist and student at the University of Iowa, also echo the sentiment of growth and opportunity. “This shows how much women's wrestling is growing,” Blades noted, reflecting on her personal journey. “Since I was a little girl, I dreamed about being an NCAA national wrestling champion. It will fulfill so many little girls' dreams, including mine.” While some institutions, such as Penn State, which has achieved notoriety for its men's wrestling program, have yet to establish a women's team, the overall trajectory for women's wrestling appears promising. With training centers and clubs already functioning across the nation, the infrastructure to support this expansion is in place. The inclusion of women's wrestling in the NCAA championship fold not only honors the dedication of current athletes but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. As the sport continues to develop on a national scale, the potential impact on women's athletics is monumental, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse sporting landscape in the years to come.