Joseph Samuel Betterman (born July 12, 1984) is an American former Greco-Roman wrestler.(April 21, 2012). 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials: Greco-Roman 60kg/132 pounds. themat.com. Retrieved July 27, 2026. Betterman represented the United States at the World Championships in Greco-Roman at 60 kg in 2007 and 2011. He was a member of the 2007 United States Greco-Roman World Champion Team. Betterman was also a silver medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games at 60 kg.
Wrestling career Betterman attended Lake View High School in Chicago, Illinois.(April 29, 2013). Strong U.S. lineup for Curby Cup wrestling in Chicago area, May 11. theguillotine.com. Retrieved July 27, 2026. As a folkstyle wrestler at Lake View, he finished sixth at the 2002 Illinois state tournament and was a state qualifier in 2001.Joe Betterman. Team USA. Retrieved July 27, 2026.
He finished fifth at the 2001 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman, earning All-American honors. Betterman attended the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University, where he focused on Greco-Roman wrestling. While at Northern Michigan, he was coached by Ivan Ivanov, a Bulgarian Olympian in Greco-Roman wrestling.Joe Betterman. Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. Retrieved July 27, 2026.
Betterman represented the United States in Greco-Roman at the 2007 World Championships in the 60 kg weight class. At the 2007 World Championships, the United States won their first ever Greco-Roman team title.Sesker, Craig. (October 30, 2007). 2007 World Team member Joe Betterman downs two-time Olympian Jim Gruenwald in Sunkist Kids finals. themat.com. Retrieved July 27, 2026.
In 2011, he again represented the United States at the 2011 World Championships in Greco-Roman at 60 kg, and that same year, won a silver medal at the Pan American Games.Abbott, Gary. (October 21, 2011). Betterman, Provisor win silver medals in Pan Am Games Greco-Roman wrestling. themat.com. Retrieved July 27, 2026.
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