![picture of Alan Vera](https://d2779tscntxxsw.cloudfront.net/60c790066c7fc.png)
Alan Vera doesn't have much of a track record in the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling, but that's all about to change very soon. Originally from Cuba, Vera has recently transferred to the USA and hopes to have his passport in time to compete for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympic Games. He represented the United States at the 2021 World Championships in Oslo, Norway.
![null](https://d2779tscntxxsw.cloudfront.net/6643d3282ff20.png?width=400&quality=80)
Joe Rau | The Bader Show (Ep. 414)
May 14, 2024
Joe Rau competed in his third straight Olympic Trials finals, winning in three matches over Alan Vera and earning his first trip to compete in the Olympic Games.
0:01 - getting hooked
0:05 - first world team
0:06 - 2016 olympic trials champion, no olympics
0:10 - just want to go to olympics
0:14 - Pan Ams and COVID momentum stopped
0:16 - 2021 controversy and retiring
0:19 - Lying to myself about retiring
0:24 - peace heading into 2024 trials
0:28 - Olympic Trials 2024, 2 out of 3
0:40 - Joe's career flashed before his eyes