The Olympic Games may be over, but Raymone Gude is merely months away from his chance to bring home the gold. The Michigan State Police (MSP) human resources developer travels to Poreč, Croatia in October to compete in the 2024 World Wrestling Championships.
“Team USA has one of the largest contingents of athletes, and I’m honored to be one of them,” said Gude. “The goal this time is gold.”
Recommended Videos
Gude competes in Greco-Roman Wrestling which is a style of wrestling that forbids holds below the waist. He placed fifth in the 130-kilogram weight class (close to 290 pounds) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in 2017, which was the last time he competed in the World Wrestling Championships.
Gude says the sport has a hold on him in the best possible way. It taught him discipline as early as 7-years-old, helped center him as a teen and then took him to college on a scholarship where he met his wife and mother of their two children, both of whom have dabbled on the mat.
Wrestling has put more than a few stamps on his passport, including travel to places like Russia, Canada, Germany, Australia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Gude has met lifelong friends, and now he coaches the Grand Ledge Youth Program.
“The principles of wrestling coincide with every aspect of life. I think of it as physical chess,” Gude said. “You must be dedicated to the craft itself and be dependable for your team. That correlates with my work here at the MSP. I’m one part but without me doing my part, I let my team down. The sport instills accountability.”
Organized by United World Wrestling, the prestigious event will take place at the Zatika Sports Centre from Oct. 8 to 13. The celebratory aspects are like the Olympic Games with opening and closing ceremonies, but the World Wrestling Championships are held every year versus every four years.
“If you have kids, get them involved,” said Gude. “It helps tremendously with confidence, determination and performance. Girls’ wrestling has become the fastest-growing high school sport in the country.”
At the MSP, Gude works in the Organizational Development Division where he is responsible for Civilian Career Development.