The event, often seen as a breeding ground for future stars in the sport, includes action in the men's freestyle and Greco-Roman and women's freestyle divisions.

Kerkvliet leads the US freestyle team for the Championships at the Dom Sportova, which conclude next Sunday (July 8).

The 110 kilogram wrestler was one of four American freestylers to claim gold at the 2016 edition of the event but is the only one competing in Zagreb.

Kerkvliet's compatriot Robert Howard has previous experience at the Cadet World Championships and will be aiming to challenge at 55kg.

Howard is participating at the Championships after he ousted Julian Tagg at the cadet trials last month.

Russia has also sent a full compliment of 10 freestyle wrestlers.

All 10 members of the American Greco-Roman team will get their first taste of World Championship action when they take to the mat in the Croatian city.

The American women's freestyle squad features world medallists Emily Shilson and Olivia Shore, both of whom represented the US at last year's event.

The first three days of competition are dedicated to men's freestyle bouts.