#OffTheMat

Match Breakdown: How did Akgul tech three-time world champ Petriashvili?

By Eric Olanowski

COSIER-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 3) --- Taha AKGUL (TUR) and Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have arguably the greatest freestyle rivalry of the last decade. Combined, they have three Olympic medals – including a Rio Olympic gold – five world titles and ten European gold medals.

While in Turkey, Akgul sat down with United World Wrestling to break down one of the most important matches of his career, which happened to be against his Georgian rival. He treated fans an in-depth look into his mental and physical approach against his arch-nemesis.

Akgul selected his quarterfinals match at the 2017 European Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia against Petriashvili to break down. The Turkish legend said this match was so significant in his career because it was the first major championship after winning his Olympic title and athletes tend to lose concentration after winning Olympic gold.

#WrestleZagreb

WATCH: Helen Maroulis, the comeback queen

By United World Wrestling Press

ZAGREB, Croatia (November 17) — Helen MAROULIS (USA), who last won gold at World Championships in 2021, came to Zagreb as one of the favorites to win gold at 57kg.

However, the 2016 Olympic champion wasn’t the favorite.

WATCH: Helen Maroulis, the comeback queen

Maroulis reached the final in Zagreb at 57kg rather easily. Facing Il Sim SON (PRK) in the final, Maroulis was down 2-1 and needed a magic move for a win.

With barely 10 seconds remaining in the final, Maroulis hit a trip to get a takedown and win the final 3-2, claiming her fourth world title.

The win marked a crucial point in Maroulis’ career as she had thought of calling it time on her career but decided to return at the Budapest Ranking Series in July and became a world champion in September.