Freestyle wrestler Lawal brings passion, enthusiasm to mat

Should Mo Lawal win the freestyle division's 211-pound weight class tonight at the U.S. National Wrestling Championships at the Convention Center, he probably will perform a celebratory dance.

The 26-year-old wrestler from Colorado Springs, Colo., has enthusiasm for his sport -- and for victory. While many competitors are low-key when successful on the mat, Lawal is not afraid to show his emotions.

"It's supposed to be fun," said Lawal, who won last year at 185 pounds. "Too many guys are like robots out there. I'm a fun person. If you're going to compete, show some personality. Have fun out there."

He knows many of his opponents don't appreciate his effusive approach.

"It's simple: If you don't want to see me celebrate, then beat me," Lawal said.

The fans enjoy Lawal's celebrations -- even in Iran, where he won a gold medal at the Takhti Cup in January. Despite being an American, he was a fan favorite. After winning the gold, Lawal found himself mobbed by Iranians the next day when he went shopping at a mall in Tehran.

"It was a great experience," Lawal said. "I'm not into politics. I'm into wrestling. I went out there and won and the fans there loved me. I had a great time there. I wouldn't mind going back someday."

Lawal figures to have a lot of support in Las Vegas today. He also has a lot of incentive as he steps onto the mat after he was upset at the 2006 World Team Trials and did not make the squad. His goal is to get to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the world championships Sept. 17 through 23. The world trials will be June 9 and 10 at the Convention Center.

"I've got to win this (nationals) and carry that momentum into June," Lawal said of today's competition, which begins at 9 a.m., with the finals set for 6 p.m. "I was devastated last year when I lost. It still bothers me. I was smashing guys, and then Andy Hrovat beat me in the semis. I was crushed."

Lawal was a star at Oklahoma State. He always has loved the one-on-one competition that wrestling provides.

"To me, wrestling is like a legal fight," he said. "People put their blood, sweat and tears into this sport. I love the fact that it's just you and the other guy. That's why I love boxing and MMA (mixed martial arts). I can see myself getting into MMA when I'm done wrestling. I could see myself knocking some guys out."

For now, Lawal's focus is on the wrestling mat. He'll be back here in June for the world trials, then hopes to make the Olympic team next year when the Olympic trials will be in Las Vegas.