Vinesh Phogat’s long-time personal coach, Woller Akos, has revealed heartbreaking details about the wrestler’s failed weight cut that led to her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. In a since-deleted Facebook post, Akos highlighted Vinesh’s unwavering dedication to securing her first Olympic medal.
Akos described the intense efforts made by Vinesh to make weight, revealing a harrowing account of her struggles. He wrote that after the semifinal, Vinesh was still 2.7 kilograms over the weight limit. Despite hours of exercise, saunas, and grueling cardio sessions, she was unable to shed the required weight. Akos even expressed his fear for Vinesh’s health, stating that he thought she might die due to the extreme measures taken to make weight.
Despite the disappointment of the disqualification, Akos expressed pride in Vinesh’s achievement of reaching the final, becoming the first Indian woman to do so in Olympic history. He emphasized that Vinesh’s performance in defeating the world’s best wrestlers was a testament to their training program.
Akos also shed light on the emotional scenes behind the scenes during the protest led by Vinesh, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia. He recounted Vinesh’s plea to her fellow wrestlers to not throw away their hard-earned Olympic medals in the river. Vinesh begged them to keep them, recognizing their special significance. However, Sakshi and Bajrang explained that their journey was paramount and their performance should not be defined solely by medals.
The details shared by Akos offer a glimpse into the sacrifices and struggles athletes face in their pursuit of Olympic glory. It highlights the immense pressure and emotional toll that weight cuts can take, particularly when they are unsuccessful. While Vinesh’s Olympic dream may have been cut short, her dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.
