For Immediate Release

July 8, 2025

Darian Cruz Dominates Grand Prix of Spain, Wins Gold at 57kg

Madrid, Spain - Darian Cruz delivered a flawless performance at the 2025 Grand Prix of Spain, winning the gold medal at 57kg and outscoring his opponents by a combined margin 29-0. The title marks Cruz's first championship at the prestigious international event, after earning silver and bronze in previous years. 

The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) athlete made a statement in every match on his way to the top of the podium:

• In the quarterfinals, Cruz shut out Spain's Raymel Quiñones with a 7-0 decision.

• He followed up with a dominant 11-0 technical fall over Peter Cude of Costa Rica in the semifinals.

• Cruz capped off his run with another 11-0 technical fall in the Finals against Yelaman Amangeldy of Kazakhstan.

"Winning the Spanish Grand Prix is pretty awesome, especially after getting silver and bronze in the years prior," said Cruz. "I just feel like it's a good testament to what we have been building back home at Penn with the PRTC."

Cruz, a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native and NCAA Champion, continues to build on a strong 2025 campaign. His gold medal performance reflects the ongoing momentum of the PRTC, which has grown into a top-tier training environment for elite athletes.

"I feel super grateful for the opportunity to compete for the PRTC," Cruz said. "It's exciting to see the representation from the commitment and work we have been putting in here. This family is growing and it means even more to be able to say that everybody in the Philly community has contributed and can take credit for this medal. The most rewarding part is knowing that this is only the beginning...to many more."

With this victory, Cruz adds an international title to his growing list of accolades and reinforces his standing as one of the premier 57kg wrestlers in the world.

Media Contact: Kevin McGuigan, kevin@pennsylvaniartc.org