RUDIS Wrestling Podcast #2: World Championships Day 1 & 2 Recap HD

On the second episode of the RUDIS Wrestling Podcast Ben and Matt reflect on Day 1 and 2 of the UWW Wrestling World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Team USA has had one of the best runs at a world championship in the history of the sport and Ben and Matt begin the podcast by examining what changes in recent years have caused such a positive resurgence of the sport in America. They discuss the attention that prominent figures like Burroughs and Snyder have brought to the sport, better funding and economic security for those who are competing at the international level, and the rise of RTC’s and youth development programs across the country. After discussing the positive changes the sport has seen in recent years, Ben and Matt turn their attention towards the future of American international wrestling and to Russia, who has made it clear that they will be heavy contenders in the years to come. Ben and Matt shift gears to some of the matches that occurred the past two days in Budapest. Beginning with David Taylor, who finally made his appearance on the USA international lineup after five years of struggling to do so and came out strong in Budapest. Taylor dominated the bracket after defeating the second ranked wrestler in the first round. His continued determination to earn his place on the US international team after multiple years ending up behind several medal winners was rewarded with a Gold Medal and a World Champion title. Ben and Matt then moved on to Jordan Burroughs who despite an early loss in an arguably lopsided bracket managed to win bronze over Frank Chamizo of Italy. They discuss why his dominance in the sport has waned and if it is due to age as some have speculated after his performance in Budapest or if he was over trained entering the competition. From Burroughs Ben and Matt turn to an unexpected breakout star in Joe Colone who surprised everyone by winning bronze over Mohammadbagher Yakhkeshi of Iran after being added to the lineup only 13 days before the competition. They also comment on the finals match for the 61kg weight class between Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez of Cuba and Gadzhimurad Rashidov of Russia where Bonne took gold, winning by decision in spectacular fashion. Discussing the 125kg weight class and its multiple upsets and interesting bracket, Ben and Matt breakdown Nick Gwiazdowski’s performance. Gwiazdowski finished with a bronze medal, a remarkable achievement but lower than initially expected after he won bronze at the 2017 world championships in Paris. They discuss the unfortunate circumstances that led to Gwiazdowski’s loss and how you cannot lose focus as every second in a match counts. Finally, Ben and Matt discuss James Greene and how his upset had rippling effects to team scores throughout the tournament. Matt points out how he noticed both Green and Burroughs who came from the same training center, looked over trained, missing a “spring” in their shots, attacks and setups. Show Order 10:20 - David