Members of the Austrian Greco-Roman National Team recently worked with their freestyle counterparts at a training camp in the town of Wals-Siezenheim. The two disciplines co-mingling was not just the result of unavailability from regular partners due to COVID restrictions or the lack of sanctioned competition this summer. It was just as much about necessity. Austria is considered a “Greco-first” nation and it is in the classical style where most of the interest is for age-groupers. Freestyle participation has increased in its own right, which is one of the main reasons why the Austrian leg-grabbers wanted to get involved — to improve at par terre. Fortunately for them, there was an added bonus, as several athletes from Hungary also attended the training sessions.
Turkey’s Nat’l Camp Closing Shop
They wanted two weeks and they got it. Tomorrow, Turkey finishes its first major National camp since before the pandemic. Held in the city of Antalya, training began all the way back on August 5 featuring a who’s who of Turkish stars, including four-time World Champion and eventual Hall of Famer Riza Kayaalp (130 kg, world #1), three-time World-level medalist Cenk Ildem (97 kg), ’19 World bronze Ekrem Ozturk (55 kg), and ’17 World bronze Fatih Cengiz (77 kg). It was not just Seniors who attended. In total, over 40 athletes have been present, making it the largest Greco camp so far this summer.
Coming Up Here
A massive exploration into the issues surrounding Greco-Roman athletes in the military was just released today in case you happened to miss it (and if you follow 5PM on Facebook, that’s a strong possibility). But after a necessary slowdown last week, things are about to pick up in a hurry.
Headed your way this week:
- Q&A with Max Nowry (60 kg, Army/WCAP, world #3 at 55 kg) detailing his reaction to the goings-on of the spring, moving up in weight (again), why he went 55 this season, and more.
- The next episode of the Five Point Move Podcast featuring two very special guests.
- The next entry in the 5PM Gold Medal Series.
- Q&A with 2018 U23 World Team member George Sikes (87 kg, NMU/NTS).
Listen to “5PM38: MWC Wrestling Academy’s Zac Dominguez” on Spreaker.
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