John Fuller/TheMat.com
In 2002, it appeared that Chris Bono would finally get his chance to represent the United States at the World Championships. Then, just days before his team was set to fly to Tehran, Iran, the team received a credible threat against it, and it was decided that it was not safe to compete.
Ever since then, Bono has had to watch Jamill Kelly compete at the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Now, Bono is back on top, and most feel that the new rules cater perfectly to his style.
TheMat.com sat down with Bono and discussed his comfort with the new rules and his training over the past few years.
TheMat.com: How did it feel to get back on top of the U.S. and win a national title?
Bono: Of course it feels good, but that was just one third of the step of winning a gold medal, so I’m still two thirds away. So really, it’s not that big of a deal.
TheMat.com: Have you changed your training regimen at all from last year, or stuck mainly to the same gameplan?
Bono: I have. I’ve learned to get more quality workouts in instead of the quantity. I used to think getting more was better. Now I’m all about getting what I need to do and utilizing every second of the workout.
TheMat.com: Last year, you had to sit and watch Jamill Kelly win an Olympic silver medal. How tough was that for you to watch?
Bono: It wasn’t tough for me to watch it because he deserved it, but it definitely motivated me being over there and seeing everybody win medals.
TheMat.com: How do you feel that you can benefit from the new rules in freestyle?
Bono: Everybody knows how I wrestle. I still focus on doing my techniques and trying to score points. That’s all I worry about. The rules will take care of themselves.
TheMat.com: Do you feel that your weight class is the deepest one in the U.S. in freestyle currently? Why or why not?
Bono: I just go out there and every match is tough. On any given day anybody can win any weight class. I just go out and wrestle the guy in front of me.
TheMat.com: Is it tough for you to juggle being an assistant coach at a major college program with training to make an Olympic Team?
Bono: It’s only as tough as you make it. I think I have good time management skills. I know when my team needs me the most and I know when my training needs to be at its greatest and I have the best boss in the world that lets me do both.
TheMat.com: You’ve made serious runs at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Teams. How much longer does your body have left in it?
Bono: My body feels as good now as it did in 2000. It’s not my body. I don’t have any limits on when I’m going to be done. I always said that when I can’t train the way I want to train, then I’m going to keep doing it. Right now, my training is going great, so I’m going to keep going.
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