#OffTheMat

A Day in the Life: Olympic champion David Taylor

By Eric Olanowski

PENNSYLVANIA, United States (May 10) --- Olympic champion David TAYLOR (USA) took viewers on a captivating journey through a day in his life as a wrestler — from his intense training regime to his life outside the wrestling hall.

At 11:05, Taylor arrived at ‘K2 Roots’, a business he runs with his wife Kendra in State College, PA since 2017. Taylor dropped in K2 Roots for juice, coffee and to help behind the counter.

Taylor arrived at Penn State University for practice which began at 13:30. He focused on working through some positions, going through drills while wrestling with four-time world champion Kyle DAKE (USA).

The Penn State hall had seven current and former world and Olympic medalists practicing simultaneously. This includes Taylor, Dake, Kyle SNYDER (USA), Thomas GILMAN (USA), Jake VARNER (USA), Cael SANDERSON (USA) and Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO).

After practice, at 17:50, Taylor headed home for his birthday party.

After cutting the birthday cake cut, Dake and Taylor moved downstairs to play a game of pool. He explained his brotherly relationship with Dake and his family as they both chase Olympic glory.

For the record, Dake won the pool game.

The day is not done yet as Taylor leaves for the M2 Training Center in State College at 19:10. Taylor created it to help wrestlers learn and achieve their goals on and off the mat. The curriculum, technique, and training are all based on what Taylor has done in the past and what he is doing today as he pursues his international wrestling goals.

He turned coach for young wrestlers, pushing them for practice and techniques like finishing and defending leg attacks.

Taylor is a world and Olympic champion, but there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes which he shares in the video.

KSA Wrestling Federation hosts UWW Women’s Coaching Course

By UWW Development

20 women from different provinces of Saudi Arabia participated in the UWW Technical Course for Coaches – Introduction to Coaching and Safety from the 5th to the 9th of December 2021 in the Green Hall, Ministry of Sport, Riyadh. This course was organized by the Saudi Arabian Wrestling Federation and supported by the Leaders Development Institute.

UWW certified educator Clarissa Chun (USA) and the Olympic bronze medalist Marwa Amri (TUN) led this course.

‘I am amazed by the energy and enthusiasm these ladies have! None of the participants had any wrestling experiences prior to this course, but they learnt very fast and mastered key points in short period of time.’, stated by Clarissa Chun.

Amal Baatia, Board Member of the Saudi Arabian Wrestling Federation, and Sherif Halawa, Secretory of the NF highly praised the efforts and commitment of United World Wresting towards developing wresting worldwide. ‘We have male wrestling for many years, this is the first time any women are involved in the sport of wrestling. We have to start somewhere. ‘

‘Thanks to the Saudi wrestling federation for initiating this activity. This is an introductory course for female coaches, with the support of the federation, the ladies who attended this course will continue their path and deepen their knowledge in wrestling coaching. I’m confident that we will be having young female athletes representing Saudi soon.’ said Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director, ‘We need great people in the country to lead the growth of our sport.

KSA WW course

The UWW is very pleased with the implementation and participation at this course and is looking forward to support and nurture the sport of wrestling in Saudi, and the whole region, with future events and courses.