Performance of wrestlers at the Olympic Games: gender aspect

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. With the increasing popularity of freestyle wrestling, the scientific community is paying more attention to gender factors that may influence the performance and success of competitive activities. The aim of study to determine differences in performance indicators between male and female wrestlers in the Olympic Games 2021. Material and Methods. The study included 192 athletes, consisting of 96 male wrestlers and 96 female wrestlers. An analysis of match records and video footage was conducted for women's (n=113) and freestyle (n=114) wrestling at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. The assessment of performance indicators utilized an expert evaluation method. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out using licensed Excel spreadsheet software. For categorical data, results were expressed in absolute numbers and percentages. Results. Based on the analysis of competitive activities at the 2021 Olympic Games, 12 primary technical-tactical actions were identified. The most frequently employed actions were in the standing position: leg attacks, with male wrestlers performing it 35.8% of the time and female wrestlers 30.3%; in the ground position, male wrestlers employed gut wrench (7.6%), while female wrestlers used ankle lace (9.4%). It was found that male wrestlers and female wrestlers accumulated approximately the same number of points for their actions: male wrestlers (926 points) and female wrestlers (912 points). The effectiveness in the standing position was higher for male wrestlers (720 points) than for female wrestlers (621 points). In the ground positions, female wrestlers demonstrated better effectiveness (291 points) than male wrestlers (206 points). The number of points deducted for rule violations was significantly lower for female wrestlers (8 times) compared to male wrestlers (27 times). Time stoppages during challenge reviews were fewer for female wrestlers (7 times) compared to male wrestlers (18 times). Conclusions. The conducted research indicates differences in the performance indicators of freestyle wrestling between men and women. Male wrestlers employ more actions in the standing position (81.7%) than female wrestlers (70.7%). Correspondingly, female wrestlers execute more actions in the ground positions (29.3%) compared to male wrestlers (18.3%). The total number of actions performed is higher for male wrestlers (579) than for female wrestlers (518). Female wrestlers achieve more premature victories (32.7% of all matches) compared to male wrestlers (24.6%). The obtained results will assist coaches in better adapting to gender differences and developing specific training programs for athletes.