Spencer Lee Breaks Silence on Final X Showdown with Luke Lilledahl

Spencer Lee vs. Luke Lilledahl at Final X

A Clash of Generations

The wrestling world is abuzz as Olympic silver medalist Spencer Lee prepares to take on rising star Luke Lilledahl at the 2025 Final X tournament.¹

This best-of-three series is more than just a bout—it’s a high-stakes battle for a coveted spot on the U.S. team for the World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

For Lee, a seasoned competitor with world-level accolades, this is a chance to finally capture the elusive Senior World gold. For Lilledahl, the match is an opportunity to solidify his reputation as one of America’s brightest young talents.

Respect Across the Mat

Despite the competitive nature of their upcoming clash, Spencer Lee was anything but dismissive when speaking about his young opponent.

In an interview with FloWrestling, Lee praised Lilledahl’s rapid rise, saying:

“He’s very young. I mean, he’s a true freshman this year at Penn State… He’s a Big Ten champ.”

Lee’s tone reflected genuine admiration, especially for someone as accomplished as Lilledahl at just 19 years old.

Not only has Lilledahl managed to become a Big Ten Champion in his freshman year, but he also earned a bronze medal in the 125 lbs category at the NCAA Wrestling Championships—no small feat.

Literally one of my heroes even though we are the same age. If you haven’t watched him wrestle do your self a favor and go watch him. Unreal speed and talent. He also whooped up on me last month visiting Iowa City. Love this guy. https://t.co/nlPnUsHYNi

— Spencer Lee (@LeeSpencerlee36) April 4, 2025

The Final X Format: A Unique Pressure Cooker

Final X is no ordinary wrestling tournament. Designed as a selection mechanism for Team USA’s wrestling squads, Final X places the top two wrestlers in each weight class into a best-of-three showdown.

For wrestlers like Lee and Lilledahl, the format forces consistency, resilience, and mental toughness.

One off-match could tilt the series, making this format particularly dangerous for favorites.

Both wrestlers will need to bring their best each time they step onto the mat, knowing that even a minor mistake can cost them a World Championship appearance.

Spencer Lee: Veteran Hungry for More

At 26 years old, Spencer Lee is a seasoned force in the wrestling world. With gold medals at the U17 and U20 World Championships already on his résumé, Lee’s credentials are formidable.²

A three-time NCAA champion during his time at Iowa and widely regarded for his leg lace and tilt techniques, Lee has often overwhelmed opponents with speed and precision.

Yet, injuries have plagued portions of his career. After suffering multiple ACL tears, some questioned whether Lee would ever return to top form.

But 2024 marked a turning point. Not only did he rebound with impressive wins, but his return to the international scene signaled a clear intent—he’s not done yet.

Luke Lilledahl: The Future Is Now

On the other end of the spectrum is Luke Lilledahl—a teenager turning heads with his fearless wrestling and undeniable skill.

Competing in the 57 kg freestyle category, Lilledahl captured the U.S. National Championship in stunning fashion.

Many expected the young wrestler to take a backseat to veterans, but he stormed through the field with poise and composure that belied his age.

His bronze at the NCAA Championships only added to the hype. Wrestling for Penn State, Lilledahl demonstrated that he could perform under pressure and hang with elite-level talent.

His blend of offensive creativity and solid fundamentals makes him one of the most exciting prospects in American wrestling today.

Spencer Lee’s Perspective

Mental Toughness and Growth

Lee, reflecting on Lilledahl’s development, made an interesting observation about the growth wrestlers experience during college:

“I said that I was a very different wrestler from my senior year of high school, after my freshman year of college. So I’m assuming the same could be said about him. You get tougher throughout a college season.”

This comment underscores how transformative the NCAA circuit is for wrestlers. The grind of competing week-in and week-out against top-tier opponents builds more than physical strength—it cultivates the mental toughness necessary for the world stage.

Lee, having walked that path, sees a mirror in Lilledahl’s current journey.

The Styles Make the Matchup

Stylistically, Lee and Lilledahl offer a fascinating contrast. Lee is a known technician, celebrated for his devastating tilt series, top pressure, and relentless pace. His ability to score multiple turns in quick succession makes him lethal in par terre.

Lilledahl, while newer to the senior freestyle level, exhibits explosive scrambling, dynamic transitions, and an unpredictability that often catches opponents off guard. His mat IQ is high for someone so young, and he rarely looks out of position.

If Lee controls the top position, he could rack up quick points. However, if Lilledahl forces neutral exchanges and initiates scrambles, the momentum could swing in his favor.

What’s at Stake: Beyond the Mat

The winner of this Final X bout won’t just earn a ticket to the World Championships—they’ll carry the hopes of American wrestling fans into Zagreb.

With Iran, Russia, and Japan fielding world-class athletes in the 57 kg division, Team USA needs a representative who is not only skilled but also battle-tested.

Lee wants to cement his legacy with a Senior World gold—a missing piece in an otherwise stellar résumé. Lilledahl wants to announce himself as a force not just in the U.S., but on the global stage. This isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s a defining moment in both wrestlers’ careers.

Croatia Awaits: The Road to Gold

• Zagreb, Croatia will play host to the 2025 Senior World Wrestling Championships, a prestigious event that often sets the tone leading into the Olympics.
• With Paris 2028 on the horizon, performance at this year’s Worlds could carry added weight.
• For Lee, success in Zagreb could restore him to the elite level after years battling injuries. For Lilledahl, a World Championship debut at 19 could accelerate his path to Olympic contention.
• The Lee vs. Lilledahl matchup is more than a competition; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch—or perhaps a resistance to it. Will the veteran reaffirm his dominance? Or will the newcomer seize the moment?
• Fans, coaches, and analysts are already debating the outcome. Will experience triumph over youth? Or will the boldness of a rising star overcome the discipline of a legend?
• Regardless of the result, the bout promises to be a technical masterclass and a reminder of why wrestling remains one of the purest tests of athletic will.

Spencer Lee Reflects on What Impacted His Final Olympic Performance

For years, wrestling fans and experts alike had eagerly anticipated Spencer Lee’s Olympic debut.³

After an injury-plagued path that kept him out of the Tokyo 2020 Games, the 26-year-old finally made his mark in Paris.

Competing in the men’s 57kg freestyle division, Lee showcased the talent and intensity that have made him a household name in American wrestling.

His journey to the final was nothing short of dominant, pinning or outscoring every opponent in his path with a mix of tenacity, tactical brilliance, and grit.

However, the final bout against Japan’s Rei Higuchi would test him in a way that few matches ever had.

The Battle Against Rei Higuchi

Rei Higuchi, a silver medalist from Rio 2016 and a seasoned competitor on the global stage, presented a difficult stylistic matchup for Lee.

Known for his lightning-quick attacks and ability to counter off his opponent’s mistakes, Higuchi posed a unique challenge. The final was a tightly contested affair, but ultimately, Lee fell short by a narrow 2-4 margin.

While a silver medal is a remarkable achievement in its own right, especially for a first-time Olympian, Lee’s competitive spirit left him yearning for more.

In post-match interviews, he shared his thoughts on what went wrong and how mental overcompensation may have hindered his natural style.

The Mental Game: Overthinking in the Finals

One of the key takeaways from Lee’s reflections was the mental toll of wrestling in an Olympic final.

“I definitely was overthinking in Olympic finals. I mean I was worried about him dragging me off of like a bad shot or something—he’s really good there,” Lee admitted.

Overthinking is often the unseen opponent in high-stakes matches. For a wrestler like Lee—known for his aggression and pace—thinking too much can stall instinct, delay reactions, and ultimately alter performance.

The fear of making a tactical mistake became a self-imposed barrier that kept him from unleashing the offensive pressure he’s typically known for.

The Paralysis of Analysis

Lee elaborated on how hesitation cost him his usual rhythm.

“I think that definitely made it so that I didn’t really do anything offensively. I think when you overthink like that, you slow down. If you’re thinking in a match, you’re not wrestling very well.”

This moment of self-awareness provides a vital insight into elite performance: sometimes the mind, in its attempt to protect, can limit what the body is capable of.

In the most significant match of his life, Lee found himself caught between trust and fear, instinct and strategy. The result wasn’t a collapse—but a subtle deviation from his best self that proved just enough for a narrowly contested loss.

Spencer Lee: From Injury to Olympic Podium

Lee’s road to Paris wasn’t easy. Multiple ACL injuries, a rigorous rehabilitation process, and the mental toll of being sidelined during a career’s prime years made his Olympic appearance all the more meaningful.

He overcame immense odds just to be in Paris, and once there, he dominated much of the competition.

What many may forget is that Lee competed with intense pressure—not just to win, but to make up for lost time.

That context matters. Getting to the final was an incredible feat. Winning would’ve been historic. But even in second place, Lee showed why he’s one of the most gifted wrestlers of his generation.

A Tactical Chess Match

Rei Higuchi didn’t win on brute force; he won on tactical superiority. By exploiting Lee’s hesitation, Higuchi was able to control the tempo and capitalize on small openings.

He stayed patient, avoided Lee’s favorite setups, and made just enough offensive moves to secure the win.

In the context of international wrestling, this match was a chess match more than a brawl. Every move mattered. One missed opportunity or delayed attack could be decisive—and it was.

Lee’s analysis of Higuchi’s strength—his ability to drag opponents off bad shots—is spot on. That awareness, ironically, is what may have paralyzed Lee in key moments.

Spencer Lee: Workout

Spencer Lee shared his intense workout pictures on his social media profile which shows his dedication towards his work.

 

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The Emotional Weight of the Olympics

Another layer to consider is the emotional magnitude of wrestling in the Olympic final. The lights, the crowd, the flag on your back—it all adds up.

For someone like Lee, who has been obsessed with wrestling since childhood, the gravity of the moment could understandably be overwhelming.

“If you’re thinking in a match, you’re not wrestling very well.”

That simple statement is a deep one. Wrestling, at its best, is reflexive, not reflective. And for perhaps the first time in his competitive career, Lee found himself caught in thought rather than flow.

The Future: Redemption and Reinvention

Spencer Lee is only 26 years old, which means his story is far from over. With another Olympic cycle ahead of him, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be back—and stronger.

The silver medal will serve as both motivation and a reminder of how slim the margins are at the highest level.

The experience in Paris could be a pivotal turning point. Lee now knows what it’s like to wrestle under the Olympic spotlight. Next time, the nerves might be less paralyzing, the decisions more instinctive, and the performance truer to his offensive roots.