Former ISU wrestler Cael Sanderson conquered collegiate wrestling for four years and has beaten the best of the U.S. freestylers for three.

Now Sanderson is trying to make his mark at the highest level of international competition — by wrestling in his first Olympics.

The six-foot, 185-pounder has had moderate success at the international level but has yet to finish on top. His greatest international success to date was a second-place finish at the 2003 World Championships.

Sanderson, the only four-time, undefeated collegiate champion, is facing tough competition from Yoel Romero of Cuba and Sajid Sajidov of Russia.

Romero, the 2003 world champion; Sajid Sajidov, the 2002 world champion; and Sanderson are the three medal favorites at 84 kg.

Russia was forced to decide between Adam Saitiev, the 2000 Olympic gold medalist, and Sajidov, the 2002 world champion. Sajidov won the Russian trials and was chosen.

Sanderson had a bye in Friday’s first round. At 3 a.m. CDT, he wrestled Magomed Kurguliev of Kazakhstan, who he had previously beaten 3-2 in overtime. Around 4:30 a.m., Sanderson wrestled Siarhei Borchanka of Belarus, who was fourth in the 2003 World Championships.

If he wins his matches, Sanderson will most likely face Majid Khodaei of Iran in the quarterfinals at 10 a.m.

“Cael has to do what he has trained to do,” ISU wrestling head coach Bobby Douglas said before leaving Ames. “[All] wrestlers are going to have to win it out on the mat. The world of wrestling had gotten a lot tougher.”

Douglas said the atmosphere will be very competitive and the team doesn’t expect any favors.

“Wrestling has the same [officiating] problems [as figure skating and other events],” Douglas said.

Douglas, an assistant coach for the Olympic team, said the United States does not have a favorable relationship with the international wrestling committee. During previous international events, U.S. wrestlers have been labeled unsportsmanlike in a handful of matches with Iranians.

“We are in the doghouse with the international community,” Douglas said. “It’s going to be an uphill fight for us, but this team is well-prepared. It’s a skilled team, and I think they’re going to make America proud.”

Douglas said he believes the American team will be well represented and has the best Olympic chance of any American wrestling team ever assembled.

“It’s always a great honor to represent America in any international competition,” Douglas said. “Especially with the type of individuals we have on this team. [They are] probably the finest collection of individuals we’ve ever had.”

Though the Olympic meet is the most prestigious of all international wrestling competitions, Sanderson said he will concentrate on wrestling, not the hype of the event.

“This is just any other tournament to me,” Sanderson said. “I know this is the Olympics, and it’s everything I’ve been working toward. I’m hoping to perform well and get the results I’ve been dreaming of.”

Not getting caught up in the atmosphere of the Olympics, however, doesn’t mean Sanderson hasn’t set high expectations for himself. He set his goals high.

“I’m expecting a medal and I want to win a gold medal,” he said. “I want to get over there and wrestle the best tournament of my life. If I do that, I’m going to bring home a medal.”