Coach Shauna Kemp Wrestling in Qatar
University of Jamestown Women’s Wrestling Head Coach Shauna Kemp will leave for Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, October 10, to represent the USA at the World Beach Games. Kemp will fly out of Fargo to Dallas, then have a 3-hour layover until boarding her non-stop, 22-hour direct flight to Doha. Doha is the capital of Qatar, located on the Arabian Sea in the Persian Gulf. There is an 8-hour time difference, and Doha is over 7,000 miles from Fargo.
Kemp will compete in the World Beach Wrestling Championships on Tuesday, October 15, in the 60 kilogram division. There are 20 wrestlers in the 60 kilogram weight class, with the entire competition taking place on Tuesday. Kemp is wrestling up a weight class at 60 kilograms, but that has not diminished her enthusiasm: “My goal is to win the gold medal.”
“I have never been to the Middle East,” said Kemp. “The opportunity to represent our country in a multi-sport games event is exciting and I get to compete alongside Olympians from other sports.” Beach wrestling has its own style. As Coach Kemp describes it, “It is a cross between Olympic style and Sumo wrestling.” The first competitor to 3 points wins the match. A take down or push out are 1 point and a throw to the opponents back is 3 points. Competitors cannot touch their own knee, or it results in a point for their opponent.
Wrestling is one of 17 disciplines will be featured at the inaugural World Beach Games, which are sanctioned by the Association of National Olympic Committees.
