Instances where wrestlers were disqualified due to being overweight by UWW

Published at :August 24, 2024 at 3:56 PM

Modified at :August 24, 2024 at 3:56 PM

(Courtesy : @geeta_phogat/Twitter)

Vinesh Phogat missed out on a medal at Paris Olympics 2024 due to disqualification.

Picture this: You’ve trained for years, sweated buckets, and dreamed of glory. You’re ready to show the world what you’re made of on the wrestling mat. But then, disaster strikes – not during a match, but on a simple scale. Welcome to the nail-biting world of wrestling weigh-ins, where dreams can be crushed faster than you can say “cheeseburger”, this is how things work in UWW Wrestling.

In wrestling, making weight isn’t just important; it’s everything. Miss it by even a tiny bit, and you’re out before you even begin. It’s like showing up to a party, only to be turned away at the door because your shirt is the wrong color. Harsh, right?

This article dives into some jaw-dropping moments when top wrestlers found themselves KO’d by the scale. We’re talking Olympic hopes dashed, world-class athletes sent packing, and careers taking unexpected turns – all because of a few extra ounces.

These stories aren’t just about missed opportunities; they’re about the crazy pressures wrestlers face every day. It’s not just about being strong or skilled; it’s about hitting that magic number on the scale, no matter what.

Emanuela Liuzzi: Paris Olympics 2024

Emanuela Liuzzi’s Paris Olympics journey ended before it truly began, in a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of competitive wrestling’s weight regulations. The Italian athlete from Giugliano had received her Olympic pass just a week prior, benefiting from the reallocation of a quota in the 50kg women’s wrestling category after a North Korean athlete withdrew. The stage was set for Liuzzi to compete in the round of 16 against Otgonjargal Dolgorjav, the second-seeded Mongolian athlete.

However, the crushing blow came during the weigh-in operations. Liuzzi failed to meet the 50kg limit, resulting in her immediate exclusion from the tournament.

Rei Higuchi: Asian Qualifiers 2020

Rei Higuchi’s story is one of heartbreak and redemption, spanning two major international competitions. At the 2020 Asian Olympic Qualifier, Higuchi found himself disqualified from the men’s 57kg category for being a mere 50 grams overweight. This minor discrepancy cost him his chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, a devastating blow for any athlete, let alone one competing in their home country’s Games.

But Higuchi bounced back at the Paris Olympics. He not only made weight but went on to defeat his US opponent, Spencer Richard Lee, 4-2 in the final to clinch the gold medal.

J’den Cox: United States Trials

J’den Cox’s disqualification from the United States wrestling qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics came as a shock to many in the wrestling community. Cox, a 2016 Rio Olympic bronze medalist and then-reigning world champion, was considered a favorite in the 97kg weight category.

Vinesh Phogat: Paris Olympics 2024

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 wrestling competition is a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of weight categories in wrestling. The Indian wrestler, competing in the women’s 50kg category, was disqualified on the morning of her gold medal bout for being overweight by 100gms.

This heartbreaking turn of events came after an impressive run through the tournament, where Phogat had defeated top-seeded opponents and secured her place in the final.

She had successfully made weight for the preliminary round and defeated some athletes like the defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan, former European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine, and reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba.

These victories had set the stage for what could have been a historic gold medal bout against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. But unfortunately for Vinesh, it was not meant to be.

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