COVID-19

KYODO News: Japanese wrestler using lockdown to lock in mental fortitude

Friday, April 17, 2020 - 13:17 By United World Wrestling Press

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Wrestlers around the world are stuck in their homes hoping to do their part to flatten the curve. In an article today in the Kyodo News, defending Olympic champion Risako Kawai says she is taking this break from the mats to train her mind. 

"I can't do, but I can watch," she said, explaining how she has been spending time watching videos of her opponents, researching techniques and mentally rehearsing match scenarios.

The 25-year-old, who competes in the 57-kilogram weight class, says she has never spent so much time away from the sport.

Kawai has not been able to spar with her training partner since Shigakkan University, her alma mater and training base in the central Japan city of Obu, Aichi Prefecture, suspended all club activities in late March.

"All I do is take in one day at a time," she says.

Four years ago, Kawai wrestled the 63-kg event to avoid having to go up against 10-time world champion and four-time Olympic women's wrestling champion Kaori Icho at 58 kg, and claimed the gold medal in her Olympic debut in Rio.

But for Tokyo 2020, Kawai made the bold move of stepping down a weight division and coming face-to-face with Icho in order to leave the pathway open for her sister to make it to the Olympics with her.

Read more on the Kyodo News site ... here

#development

Estonia searching for Greco-Roman head coach for LA 2028 cycle

Monday, August 26, 2024 - 12:23 By United World Wrestling Press

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TALLIN, Estonia (August 26) --- The Estonian Wrestling Federation is searching for a Greco-Roman head coach  for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle (2025-'28). 

Here are the roles and responsibilities for the head coaching position: 

  • Preparing athletes for championships and 2028 Olympic Games
  • Accompanying athletes during training camps and competition 
  • Preparing a yearly preparation and competition plan, following that plan 
  • Preparing a yearly budget for the team, following that budget 
  • Communication with other medical professionals and physical preparation coach concerning the athlete's physical health and preparation 
  • Communication with other countries head coaches
  • Communication with the Estonian Wrestling Federation concerning the training and budget plans
  • Be ready to help out our coach education program with 2-day course aimed to develop our club level coaches annually. 

Location: Estonia (day to day work)

Additional work trips with the team all over the world, mainly Europe (competitions and training camps).

Application process: Send a preparation and competition plan, as a motivation letter, with an estimate budget for the year 2025 (how you would see it for our Greco-Roman wrestling team) to est@uww.org

Salary: Salary is negotiable.  With your application please but forward expectation for your salary. 

Deadline for applications: November 30, 2024

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Estonian Federation directly. 

Contact information:
Secretary General: Jaanika Kaljola (EST;RUS) | Phone: +3725149591

Project manager: Velja Andruse (EST; ENG) | Phone: +372 5657 2067