Physiological Profile of an Elite Freestyle Wrestler Preparing for Competition

Introduction: Considering the paucity of case-studies available on older elite freestyle (FS) wrestlers, changes in FS wrestling match structure during 1998, and the amount of time that has elapsed since the last case-study of an elite FS wrestler, i.e. ∼ 20 years (Widerman and Hagan,1982), the current case-study was undertaken. The purpose of the present investigation was to describe the physiological changes of a nationally ranked elite FS wrestler during a 7 month observation period as he prepared for the 2000 Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Trials. Methods: A 33-year-old male wrestler was evaluated three times during a 7 month observation period for measurements of body composition, resting energy expenditure, maximal oxygen consumption, isometric strength, anaerobic power and capacity, nutritional intake, and various serum plasma constituents. Results: Body weight decreased by 1 kg of which consisted of fat-free mass (FFM), while body fat remained stable at 5.8%. Muscular strength and aerobic power were maintained throughout the study. Measures of anaerobic work capacity tended to be higher and blood lactate lower as the subject progressed throughout the investigation. All serum plasma constituents were within clinically normal ranges and remained relatively stable. Discussion: Results of this case-study revealed that in the 7 months prior to a major event, the subject displayed a high level of wrestling-specific fitness for muscular strength, anaerobic power and capacity, and aerobic conditioning despite a small decrement (1 kg) in FFM. The subject went on to place third at the 2000 Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Trials. To put into context the elite nature of USA FS wrestling, the eventual winner of the 69 Kg weight class at the Olympic Trials went on to receive a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games held in Sydney, Australia. It can be concluded from this investigation that despite changes in FS wrestling match duration, testing technologies, and the fact that approximately 20 years has elapsed since the last case-study of an elite FS wrestler who was considerably younger (12 yrs.), little has changed with respect to physiological adaptations that occur as a result of sport specific training in an older (i.e. 33 yrs.) elite FS wrestler (i.e average age: 2000 Olympic FS wrestlers was 28.4 ± 1.5 yrs). In addition, despite a small loss of FFM the subject was able to maintain muscular strength and aerobic fitness while at the same time enhance anaerobic capacity and power capabilities throughout the investigation. Acknowledgements: 1999-2000 100 Scholars Award presented by the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School of Appalachian State University.