Lieutenant Colonel George Inspires USA and Greece
The U.S. Embassy in Athens sent a distinguished representative to speak to both Team USA and Team Greece ahead of the U17 Freestyle World Championships and the launch of the Wrestling for Peace (W4P) 2025 Global Campaign. Gathered in a room charged with anticipation and shared commitment, young athletes from two proud nations listened as Lieutenant Colonel Tony George of the United States Air Force delivered a stirring address. His message, drawn from a lifetime of service, leadership, and athletic experience, resonated deeply with everyone present.
Two-time World Champion and Olympic Medalist J’Den Cox, now serving as the USA Wrestling Men’s Freestyle coach, introduced W4P’s special guest: “It is my distinct honor to introduce our speaker today from the U.S. Embassy, Lieutenant Colonel Tony George.” What followed was more than a speech—it was a moment of powerful perspective on the character and purpose of sport.
Lt. Col. George, who grew up in the mountains of Colorado and once dreamed of competing at the highest levels of athletics, shared his journey—from NCAA Division I basketball at the U.S. Air Force Academy to his current role as a diplomat and officer. He spoke of discipline, leadership under pressure, and the enduring values sports instill: resilience, humility, and respect.
“The nervous energy you feel before a match,” he said, “is not something to fear. It’s a sign that you’re ready—and that you value the moment you’re in.” But it was his reflection on the purpose of sport that struck the deepest chord. In a room full of elite competitors, Lt. Col. George emphasized that true strength isn’t just measured on the mat—it is revealed in acts of courage, compassion, and connection across borders “You’re not just here to compete,” he said. “You’re here to connect—to represent not just your country, but what’s possible when young people come together with shared purpose.”
That shared purpose is at the heart of the Wrestling for Peace campaign—a movement that uses sport as a bridge between cultures, promoting mutual respect, understanding, and global friendship. Today’s gathering, capped by a joint visit to the Elpida Children’s Hospital, showcased that mission in action. While the upcoming matches will no doubt be intense, Lt. Col. George reframed the greater goal: “Sportsmanship is about recognizing the platform you have—not just to win, but to give back.”
In a world often divided by conflict, the first W4P Global Campaign event offered something rare—a vision of international competition rooted in unity, respect, and shared humanity. Over the next four years, the Wrestling for Peace Global Campaign will expand its reach, bringing together athletes, communities, and nations in a shared commitment to the values that sport embodies. From grassroots initiatives to global competitions, the campaign will use wrestling as a platform to promote dialogue, understanding, and collaboration.
As Los Angeles prepares to host the world in 2028, the Wrestling for Peace Global Campaign stands as a testament to the transformative power of sport. Lt. Col. George’s words touched the hearts of athletes and parents alike, reminding them that they are not just competitors but ambassadors of a brighter, more connected future. In the words of Team Greece’s W4P Global Campaign leader, “Today is something I will never forget. It will stay with me forever.”