Olympic wrestling

From Protests to Podiums: The Enduring Legacy of Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat is not defined by her performance at the Olympics, instead, she has sparked a social movement that…

Vinesh Phogat is not defined by her performance at the Olympics, instead, she has sparked a social movement that cannot be reversed. While she has inspired a nation with her success in international wrestling, Vinesh Phogat’s fight for justice is what illustrates her legacy.

Vinesh Phogat – International Wrestling

The Phogat sisters are famed in India for their wrestling success. Between them, they’ve collected 10 gold medals in the Commonwealth Games, plus a host of medals in the Asian Games and World Championships. Among them, they even have a top-ranked MMA fighter; Ritu Phogat. Also, a blockbuster movie was made in their honor that broke box office records. However, despite their incredible success, the sisters have yet to capture a medal in the Olympics.

Leading into the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Vinesh Phogat was a favorite to capture a medal representing India. Having won top spots in the Asian and Commonwealth Games, she was a clear pick to take home some gear on the podium.

Shockingly, early in the tournament she defeated Yui Susaki; this was an incredible feat. Japan’s Susaki captured Olympic gold in 2020 and did not concede a single point that entire year. In fact, Susaki had remained unbeaten in a consecutive 24 international tournaments and sported a spotless 82-0 record.

Her first loss was delivered by Vinesh, who celebrated with tears in her eyes. It was a moment that changed the landscape of wrestling. Suddenly, the clear favorite had lost and a new hope had emerged. The Japanese-born athlete could not believe that this had happened, she said, “I didn’t know if it was real or not.”

With the nation of India behind her, Vinesh Phogat began a campaign for gold. She then won two more matches to qualify for the finals. Even the Indian Prime Minister Modi got behind Vinesh. In an interview, the national leader said, “Vinesh became the first Indian woman to reach the finals in wrestling, which is a matter of great pride for all of us.

But, her loss would not come on the mat instead it came on the scales. Despite working out all night, sweating, skipping, cutting her hair, and even donating blood, Vinesh was unable to make the weight limit. Thus, she was disqualified. India attempted to appeal this decision but was rejected. The Indian-born wrestler had enough, she declared her retirement from the sport, “My courage is broken, I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling, 2001-2024.”

No medal and a heartbreaking end for her and the Phogat family. However, if Vinesh Phogat never wrestles again a day in her life, her legacy is secure because she fought for something greater off the mats. Justice.

Vinesh Phogat – Protests and Sexual Assault

Women around the world have continuously had to suffer sexual assault at the hands of men who too often walk free. Especially in sports men have been able to use a position of power over women. Speaking to two-time Olympic medalist Kayla Harrison, she described her experiences of suffering sexual assault from those in power. Typically, it comes from those that students trust most. Kayla Harrison said:

Over 75 percent of cases involve well-known friends of the family: uncles, the coach, the neighbor, people that you know. And that’s a scary thing to think about as a parent. It’s terrifying, but unfortunately, it’s important that we do think about it … Why would you ever just hand over your kids to a coach, a tutor, or whoever it may be, and say, “Here, make my kid the next Gabby Douglas, make my kid the next Michael Phelps, make my kid a genius” We have to be really careful.

This is exactly what Vinesh Phogat looked to stop. Over the past two years, Vinesh has been the leader of protests marching against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Multiple women have come forward accusing Singh of sexual harassment. Adding that there was no oversight or accountability. This sparked major protests in India and the movement gained international attention. Her efforts have been part of a broader struggle for justice and change, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in sports.

Vinesh faced much backlash from those in power, the general public, and the police. Many women at these protests, including Vinesh, were detained by police and would often face physical confrontations. Of these, police have faced no repercussions. She also faced smear campaigns. Despite all this, she knew her fight was just and her will could not be broken.

In her own words, Vinesh Phogat said:

“”I have only felt a deep sense of humiliation since I mustered the courage to protest … It was the same disgusting pattern over and over again and I am among the victims.The fact that no one was listening to us forced me and others to start a public protest as we wanted the nation to know how top athletes were being mistreated

“We wanted Singh to be dragged out of his home, but because he is a powerful man he is roaming around and we are being told to sit at home.”

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Ultimately, the protests have succeeded. The IOC is looking to adjust its standards. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former leader of the WFI has been stripped of his position and will face Delhi court regarding the accusations. The court said:

“The allegations reveal a pattern of behavior of the accused who exploited his position of power to sexually assault and harass female wrestlers over several years … The allegations demonstrate that the offenses committed against the victims were not random but part of a continuous sequence of events, suggesting a premeditated strategy to assault vulnerable victims repeatedly over several years. The modus operandi is consistent i.e., the exploitation of power and opportunity to harass subordinates.”

The protests of Vinesh Phogat were harshly criticized but she stood her ground. It resulted in direct change. Nationally and internationally, these movements contributed to a larger conversation about women’s safety both in sports and in general. Vinesh Phogat and her fight for justice is a better legacy than a gold medal.

Top 5: The Most Jacked Olympic Wrestlers in History

These are the top 5 most jacked Olympic wrestlers in history. Olympic Wrestling is one of the physically grueling…

These are the top 5 most jacked Olympic wrestlers in history. Olympic Wrestling is one of the physically grueling sports in the Olympic Games, whether you’re competing in Greco-Roman or Freestyle disciplines. Wrestlers who compete in the Olympics need to be in perfect physical condition. Due to this, sometimes we get to see some pretty incredible physiques.

The Most Jacked Olympic Wrestlers in History

These are some Olympic wrestling greats who have achieved some outstanding physiques. Let these be your bulk-up inspirations during your next workout. Let’s countdown the top five Most Jacked Olympic Wrestlers in History.

5. Artur Taymazov (Uzbekistan)

Artur Taymazov is an Uzbek-born freestyle wrestler with a presence in the super heavyweight division. He has won three Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008, and 2012, plus one silver medal in 2000. Taymazov’s background in weightlifting and his impressive size have contributed to his success, making him one of the most decorated wrestlers in Olympic history plus one of the most jacked Olympic wrestlers ever.

4. Karam Gaber (Egypt)

Karam Gabe is an Egyptian Greco-Roman wrestler famed for his explosive power and muscular build. He won the gold medal in the men’s Greco-Roman 96 kg category at the 2004 Athens Olympics plus a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Gaber’s dominance has made him one of Egypt’s most celebrated wrestlers. Just a photo of him makes you want to do some bicep curls.

3. Javier Cortina (Cuba)

Javier Cortina is a Cuban freestyle wrestler who represented Cuba in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 96 kg category. Cortina has also achieved success at the World Wrestling Championships, winning a bronze medal in 2014. Known for his muscular physique, Cortina is one of the most jacked Olympic wrestlers we’ve ever seen.

Cuba has produced some incredible Olympic Wrestlers such as modern legend Mijaín López. Lopes has been able to capture an incredible four gold medals in the Olympics, a feat no other man has been able to achieve.

2. Aleksandr Karelin ( Soviet Union & Russia)

The all-time great, but surprisingly only number two on this list. Aleksandr Karelin is a legendary Russian and Soviet Union Greco-Roman wrestler known for his incredible strength and dominance. He won three Olympic gold medals and one silver medal. His body is so impressive that Joe Rogan remarked, “Every now and then I like to pull out this picture of the great Russian wrestler Aleksander Karelin, just to remind myself of what a tremendous pussy I am.”

Aleksandr Karelin is one of the greatest Olympic wrestlers in history having won nearly 900 matches in his legendary career while only losing twice. His body was absolutely ridiculous. Plus, he was strong enough to utilize the famed “Karelin Lift” where he would lift his heavyweight opponent off the ground and then slam them.

1. Revaz Nadareishvili (Georgira)

Revaz Nadareishvili is a Georgian Greco-Roman wrestler known for his impressive physique. He competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 98 kg event at the 2016 Summer Olympics and was eliminated in the round of 16. Nadareishvili won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Wrestling Championships. His muscular build has made him a standout in the wrestling community being one of the most jacked Olympic wrestlers in history.

To achieve this kind of body is a near-impossible task to look like one of the most jacked Olympic wrestlers. But we have written up a diet and exercise techniques guide with tips from Olympian Jordan Burroughs. According to him, one must partake in box jumps, hang cleans, squats, dumbbell rows, lunges, fan bike interval sprints, pullups, band-resisted exercises, and battle rope drills. It is also recommended to add deadlifts, weighted pull-ups, rowing, bicep curls, hammer curls, tricep dips, and pushups.

Earn the Olympic Wrestlers Physique – The Powerful Wrestler Workout Routine

It’s no easy task to earn the Olympic Wrestlers physique, but here we will break down the wrestler’s workout…

It’s no easy task to earn the Olympic Wrestlers physique, but here we will break down the wrestler’s workout routine to earn a body like an Olympian. Olympic Wrestlers go through some of the toughest diets and exercise plans outside of the competition. Then, the sport of wrestling is one of the most grueling sports in the Olympic Games. Their bodies must be in perfect condition.

Olympic Wrestlers Physique

Joe Rogan once admired the all-time great Olympic Wrestlers body of Aleksandr Karelin. The thick neck, forearms, bowling ball shoulders, and massive biceps; the Olympic Wrestlers Physique. With the strength to throw a heavyweight in a match. Rogan said, “Every now and then I like to pull out this picture of the great Russian wrestler Aleksander Karelin, just to remind myself of what a tremendous pussy I am.”

The Diet of an Olympic Wrestler

For wrestlers, diet plays a crucial role. If you’re starting on the thicker side and want to reveal more muscle, clean up your diet by cutting out processed foods, alcohol, sugary treats, and carbs. Aim for a small calorie deficit to lose 1-2 pounds of fat per week.

If you’re already lean and want to bulk up, focus on a calorie surplus with plenty of high-quality foods. Protein is key since it helps repair and grow muscles after workouts. Protein shakes and bars can be handy for this. Don’t forget to balance your diet with carbs and fats to keep your energy levels up.

Jordan Burroughs, a 4x World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, follows a meticulously planned diet to maintain his competition weight of 163 lbs while ensuring peak performance and recovery. His day starts with a nutrient-dense smoothie containing plant-based protein powder, almond milk, spinach, avocado, almond butter, chia seeds, and turmeric, providing around 608 calories.

Post-morning workout, he consumes a veggie omelet with mixed berries, totaling 335 calories. After his evening practice, he has a substantial dinner of salmon, sweet potatoes, and sautéed spinach and mushrooms, adding up to 772 calories. Overall, his daily intake includes about 136g of protein, 142g of carbohydrates, and 67g of fat, totaling approximately 1715 calories, designed to support intense training and effective recovery. This is a great way of obtaining an Olympic Wrestlers Physique.

Grip Strength – The Wrestler Workout Routine

Grip strength is vital in wrestling because so much of the sport involves controlling your opponent’s wrists. To build grip strength, try deadlifts and pull-ups. For deadlifts, use dumbbells or barbells with the heaviest weight you can handle. Pull-ups are great for upper body strength and grip. Challenge yourself with thicker bars or by adding weight to earn the Olympic Wrestlers Physique.

High-Resistance Conditioning

Conditioning is crucial for wrestlers, who need bursts of high-intensity energy. Instead of long runs, focus on high-resistance conditioning like sled sprints, hill sprints, or battle ropes. If you don’t have access to this equipment, HIIT workouts at home can also be effective.

Olympic Wrestlers Physique body workout routine and diet

Target Specific Areas—Legs, Back, and Arms

Wrestlers need strong legs, backs, and arms. For legs, do exercises like squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts, and calf raises. For the back, try deadlifts, weighted pull-ups, and rowing. Don’t neglect your arms—work on bicep curls, hammer curls, tricep dips, and pushups. Also, incorporate exercises for forearms and grip, like farmer’s walks and pull-up bar hangs. To complete the Olympic Wrestlers Physique look, add some weighted neck curls and neck extensions to build a thick neck and traps.

The Wrestler Workout Routine

The aforementioned Jordan Burroughs, Olympic gold medalist, follows a rigorous and comprehensive workout routine that includes explosive exercises, cardio, and wrestling-specific drills, to outline earning the Olympic Wrestlers Physique. His conditioning circuit features fan bike interval sprints, pullups, band-resisted exercises, and battle rope drills to build power, speed, and quickness.

The US-born Burroughs also incorporates stance and motion drills to improve footwork and level changes, along with execution drills for his signature double-leg takedown. Strength training is a key component, with exercises like box jumps, hang cleans, squats, dumbbell rows, and lunges to enhance explosive power and overall strength. Burroughs typically trains early in the morning, balancing his demanding regimen with family time, under the guidance of his coach Mark Manning to ensure peak physical, mental, and emotional readiness for competition.

Top 5: Best Olympic Wrestlers of All Time

Let’s count down the top 5 Best Olympic Wrestlers of All Time. These are the greatest wrestlers in history…

Let’s count down the top 5 Best Olympic Wrestlers of All Time. These are the greatest wrestlers in history whose names really stand out in the history books. Olympic Wrestling has seen some incredible competition throughout the decades, these are just a few of the wrestlers who have risen to legendary status. These wrestlers have earned their status as one of the Best Olympic Wrestlers of All Time through the most challenging and oldest sport in the Olympics; Wrestling.

Best Olympic Wrestlers of All Time

Who are the best Olympic Wrestlers of all time? There are many names who could have qualified for this list, but these five have truly carved their place in wrestling history. These are the historic icons, here are the top 5 best Olympic Wrestlers of all time.

5. Ivar Johansson (Sweden)

Sweden’s Ivar Johansson competed nearly a century ago and is a legendary figure in Olympic wrestling. He won three Olympic gold medals in two styles and weight classes: freestyle middleweight and Greco-Roman welterweight in 1932, and Greco-Roman middleweight in 1936. Johansson was known for his versatility and skill in different disciplines. He also managed to earn a highly impressive nine European Championships throughout his career. His Olympic achievements and ability to compete in various weight categories, and styles, make him one of the sport’s all-time greats, easily one of the best Olympic Wrestlers of all time.

4. Aleksandr Medved (Soviet Union)

The Soviet-born Aleksandr Medved is a true wrestling icon. He won three Olympic gold medals in 1964, 1968, and 1972 across three different weight classes—a feat no one else has matched. Additionally, Medved also earned seven World Championships and three European Championships. Medved was inducted into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame and named the best Belarusian athlete of the 20th century.

3. Buvaisar Saitiev (Russia)

Russia’s Buvaisar Saitiev in Khasavyurt is celebrated as one of the best freestyle wrestlers of all time. He snagged three Olympic gold medals in 1996, 2004, and 2008 in the 74 kg weight class. He was known for his technical brilliance on the mat. Over 13 years, he won nine out of eleven major tournaments he entered. Saitiev also boasts six World Championships and six European Championships. Despite battling a neck injury, he secured his final Olympic gold in 2008 before retiring.

2. Mijaín López (Cuba)

The Cuban giant is a modern-day legend, easily one of the best Olympic Wrestlers of all time, and a close pick for number one. Mijaín López Núñez is a Greco-Roman wrestling legend with an incredible four Olympic gold medals earned in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 in the super heavyweight class. At 1.98 meters tall, López dominated his weight class, often winning matches without letting his opponents score a single point. He’s also a five-time World Champion and a Pan American Games champ. His incredible consistency and skill make him one of the greatest wrestlers in Olympic history.

1. Aleksandr Karelin (Russia & Soviet Union)

For anyone who knows wrestling, this pick will not be a surprise. He is the greatest and best Olympic wrestler of all time. Aleksandr Karelin won three Olympic golds in 1988, 1992, and 1996, plus a silver in 2000 competing in the super heavyweight category. Karelin was famous for his signature move, the “Karelin Lift,” where he’d lift and slam his opponents. With an incredible 887 wins and just two losses, he was a true powerhouse, earning the nickname “The Experiment” for his unmatched strength. He is a legendary figure in the world of combat sports.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the above best Olympic Wrestlers of all time, here are more who nearly made the list:

Artur Aleksanyan (USA)
Vladimer Khinchegashvili (Georgia)
Dan Gable (USA)
Elbrus Tedeyev (Ukraine)
Kim Hyeon-woo (South Korea)
Mavlet Batirov (Russia)
Saori Yoshida (Japan)
Jordan Burroughs (USA)

Has Olympian Henry Cejudo Become the Biggest Bust in MMA History?

(Photo via The Gazette.)

Far be it from us to knock an Olympic wrestler for his lack of work ethic, but we’ve begun to notice an alarming and depressing trend in the MMA career of Henry Cejudo. Mainly, that he has more or less flaked out of his last four scheduled fights under the Legacy Fighting Championships banner, and even worse, the fights he actually did show up for in that time, he did at a significantly reduced payrate due to his inability to make weight.

So perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise to us that Cejudo has already withdrawn from his scheduled flyweight title fight with WEC/UFC vet Damacio Page at Legacy 31 in June, citing “personal reasons.” This comes after Cejudo forced a catchweight fight with Ryan Hollis at Legacy 24, no-showed at the Legacy 25 weigh-ins due to a last second “illness,” and again showed up heavy for his fight with Elias Garcia at Legacy 27. How he is still employed by Legacy remains as much a mystery as the circumstances that have led to his most recent drop-out.

Could it be that Cejudo has some dire life circumstance to tend to, like Rousimar Palhares and his sick mother? It’s possible, but the much more likely scenario is that Cejudo lacks either the time or the commitment to make 125 lbs, even as far out from the fight as he is, and has withdrawn in a last ditch attempt to save his rapidly descending reputation in the MMA world.

(Photo via The Gazette.)

For the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal in Olympic history, weight-cutting issues seem especially uncharacteristic. Wrestlers have long been lauded for their almost unparalleled discipline when it comes to cutting weight — just look at how Daniel Cormier was able to make the drop to light heavyweight after years of weight mismanagement — and for a guy of Cejudo’s caliber, it’s simply inexcusable.

But sadly, it appears that Cejudo’s professional career has been on a downswing ever since his comeback attempt in the 2012 Olympic Trials, where his lack of motivation was immediately noticeable to those who knew him best (via BloodyElbow):

Between the 2008 Olympics and the 2012 trials, Cejudo was off the mat for almost two and a half years. He did not engage in training for a second Olympic title until February of 2011. This is an awful long time, particularly considering that all of Henry’s strongest competition was spending that time competing for world championships.

When Henry first came back to training he announced his intent to train at the regional training center (RTC) at The University of Iowa with Coach Terry Brands.

Terry Brands is a distinguished figure in the wrestling world. Brands has won world championships, an Olympic bronze medal, and as an Olympic Training Center resident coach he was largely responsible for molding Henry Cejudo into an Olympic champion. Terry and Henry had grown close during Cejudo’s gold medal run and a number of publications describe Brands as a father figure to Henry.

When considering a athlete/coach relationship woven so tightly, it was particularly alarming to hear reports in July of 2011 that Cejudo left the Iowa RTC due to Brands disapproval over the time Henry was spending in his commercial ventures.

After leaving Iowa, Cejudo briefly trained at Ohio State’s RTC, but citing homesickness, Henry left to spend the bulk of his Olympic trials preparation residing in Arizona and away from any elite wrestling training sites. Almost all wrestlers serious about qualifying for an Olympic team reside at a regional training center or the Olympic Training Center in Colorado (or both). Cejudo spent his crunch time preparation for the trials working out at The Training Room, a strength and conditioning facility in Scottsdale run by Brian Davis, a former NFL defensive back. (when asked about Cejudo’s preparations for the trials, Davis’s response was somewhat…odd.)

Henry’s unusual choices in training arrangements, when combined with the mixed results at the only three competitive wrestling events he attended before the trials, led some in the wrestling world to doubt if he would even be in attendance in Iowa City for the Olympic trials.

It was at those Olympic Trials that Cejudo would be defeated by top-seeded Nick Simmons in the semifinals before throwing his shoes into the crowd, a symbolic gesture of his retirement from wrestling at just 25 years of age.

So what has been behind Cejudo’s fall from grace? Some say that he has become too preoccupied with the public persona he has built over the years, and the litany of high-profile endorsement deals, book deals, and even play deals that have followed. Others say that the neuro-linguistic programming outfit Cejudo has become involved with, Champion by Design, has all but brainwashed the kid with new-age, self-help gobbledygook.

It’s hard to tell, but one thing’s for certain: Cejudo has dropped out of yet another fight, and is well on his way to becoming perhaps the biggest bust in MMA history. And what a shame it would be for a self-described, “kid who grew up in poverty, a son of Mexican immigrants that came to the United States with a dream.” Not that success in a mid-level MMA promotion is comparable to Olympic glory, but still, it would have been nice to see what could have been.

–J. Jones

[EXCLUSIVE] Bellator’s Joe Warren Talks Bellator 98 Health Scare, Getting Back to Fighting, and the Return of Olympic Wrestling

(Photo via Bellator)

By Elias Cepeda

Former Bellator champion Joe Warren was set to face Nick Kirk earlier this month at Bellator 98 in Connecticut before the state’s commission refused to allow him to fight. The exact reason was not given at the time but speculation from fans and members of the media as to why Warren was barred from fighting abounded.

Some wondered if Warren had tested positive for marijuana as he had during his competitive wrestling days. Even Bellator’s CEO Bjorn Rebney volunteered a theory – that Warren had been knocked out during his training camp and so was not being allowed to fight because of brain damage. Just two fights ago, of course, Warren was hurt badly in a KO loss to Pat Curran. That was his second straight KO loss.

Warren has since been cleared to fight in tonight’s Bellator event and he and Kirk will square off in this season’s bantamweight tournament. CagePotato visited with Warren as he cut weight Wednesday.

Not knowing how else to get into the matter with Warren as he stepped out of the sauna we simply had to ask, “What the heck happened?”

“A big mess happened,” Warren said.

“The Connecticut commission is stricter than most and I had a CT scan and MRI done leading up to the fight. I had three different doctors telling me different things. They didn’t read the images correctly and thought I had an abnormality on the image of my brain. One was telling me I had had a stroke, one was telling me I’d never fight again. Crazy stuff. Another said that I was fine. I was running around for weeks getting different tests done out of my own pocket, my family was scared. It was a huge ordeal.”

(Photo via Bellator)

By Elias Cepeda

Not knowing how else to get into the matter with Warren as he stepped out of the sauna we simply had to ask, “What the heck happened?”

“A big mess happened,” Warren said.

Given the brutal nature of Warren’s losses combined with his lifetime in combat sports and relatively advanced age, one could argue that CT scans and MRI imaging exams before each fight are great ideas. Warren insists that he is fine, however, and of course so does the Oregon commission overseeing his fight with Kirk tonight.

The fighter also says that he was not knocked out at any point during his most recent training camp, as was earlier reported. “I saw those things being written and it was just nuts,” he tells us.

“This whole camp has been focused on my not taking damage, actually. We’ve been very careful and safe and it has gone great.”

With all the confusion behind him, Warren has had scant time to focus on his opponent. The former world champion Greco-Roman wrestler has a lot of respect for his younger opponent and looks forward to just competing.

“He’s a tough, well-conditioned guy,” Warren says of Kirk.

“And, he’s a wrestler so you can never overlook him. I just want to go in there, lay hands on him and put him down. Beating Nick Kirk will get me a step closer to that belt again.”

One recent news item has made Warren particularly happy – The International Olympic Committee’s decision to once more include wrestling in the games. “Wrestling was the first Olympic sport,” he says.

“There might as well not be an Olympics without wrestling. When I was a kid, I dreamt of being in the Olympics. Wrestlers need that to work towards.”