How Do Professional Wrestlers ‘Cut Weight’ Before Big Events Like The Olympics

7 August 2024 was a disappointing day for Vinesh Phogat. The Wrestler, who hails from India had just defeated Japan’s Yui Saki. Sakk had an “undefeated” streak of 95 international matches. All was going well for Vinesh, until it all came crashing down. Amid Vinesh Phogat’s ‘100 grams’ upset, let’s find out how do athletes cut weight.

What is weight cutting?

Cutting weight is common in Olympic wrestling and other sports with weight classes. Athletes often shed up to 10% of their body weight in the weeks leading up to an event to qualify for a lower weight category. 

The final 24 hours before weigh-in are particularly grueling as they attempt to lose every possible gram. After successfully making weight, they focus on rapidly regaining lost fluids and mass before the competition.

Cutting weight is just the initial step toward success. Making weight doesn’t guarantee a medal, as the real challenge is to perform well after the cut. 

How do athletes regain weight after the season is over

While it becomes necessary to fit into the weight requirements when athletes are playing, post-competition they must rebuild strength and muscle. This is done before cutting weight again for the next event. 

This process is particularly tough for those with low body fat and high muscle mass, especially in lower weight classes. In such classes, being lighter can be a significant disadvantage.

What are the weight cutting rules for athletes?

Wrestlers weigh in each morning of competition. The first weigh-in allows 30 minutes and multiple scale checks, with wrestlers in singlets. They must also be free of contagious diseases and have short nails. An athlete who qualifies for finals will also get weighed on day 2.  On the second day, the weigh-in is strictly 15 minutes, with disqualification for non-compliance.

According to UWW regulations, medical checks and the first weigh-in occur on the morning of the designated weight category. Athletes advancing to finals and repechages must weigh in again the next morning, with no additional weight tolerance allowed. 

For World Cups and International Tournaments (excluding UWW Ranking Events), a 2 kg tolerance is permitted. However, the Olympics enforce strict weight limits with no 2 kg tolerance. This is how India’s Vinesh Phogat lost her chance at an Olympic medal despite qualifying for the finals.

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