Team USA Youth Shines with Seven Golds at National Junior Olympics

The USA Youth High Performance Team delivered a stellar showing at the 53rd annual USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, capturing seven gold medals during a dominant week of competition. Top Bookies

Four team members — Lauryn Elmore (female 65 kg), Joseph Awinongya (male 80 kg), Kayla Moore (female 80+ kg), and Nnajai Wright (male 90+ kg) — made their tournament debuts on Saturday and struck gold. Each boxer showcased commanding performances in their only bout of the event. Elmore, Moore, and Wright won by unanimous decision, while Awinongya claimed victory via second-round RSC.

“This fight helped me shake off some ring rust and get the work I needed before Brandenburg,” said Awinongya. “I felt fast, I felt sharp, and I saw that all my quick-twitch muscles were firing. I’m looking forward to carrying that into the Brandenburg Cup.”

Team captain Salim Ellis-Bey (male 60 kg) also claimed gold, earning a narrow 3-2 split decision over Yahir Diaz Martinez. Known for his leadership, Bey led by example throughout the week and capped off his performance with a well-earned title.

Hawaii natives Lorenzo Patricio (male 50 kg) and Alexis Tangaro (female 54 kg) rounded out Team USA’s gold medal haul, both winning via dominant 5-0 unanimous decisions.

Two boxers — Landon Patricio (male 55 kg) and Jose Vasquez (male 70 kg) — brought home silver medals. Vasquez picked up three wins en route to the final, while Patricio notched four victories during an impressive run.

In total, Team USA’s Youth High Performance Team featured 10 athletes, returning home with seven golds and two silvers — a testament to the squad’s depth and talent.

Next up, the team will regroup and prepare for international action at the Brandenburg Cup in Germany, set to take place from July 29 to August 3. The full 14-member roster will report to camp at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs starting July 6.