Vinesh Phogat’s Harrowing Weight-Cutting Ordeal at Paris Olympics: Coach Feared for Her Life

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s coach, nutritionist, and Team India’s doctor, Woller Akos, has revealed the harrowing details of Phogat’s weight cut attempt at the Paris Olympics. Akos disclosed that he feared for Phogat’s life as she struggled to make the 50kg weight limit, ultimately leading to her disqualification just hours before the gold medal bout.

Phogat had qualified for the finals on Day 1 but was found 100 grams overweight on the second day, rendering her ineligible to compete. After her semi-final victory over Cuba’s Lopez Guzman, her weight rebounded by 2.7 kg.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Akos detailed the grueling weight-cutting process. Phogat exercised for one hour and twenty minutes, shedding 2.7 kg, but was still 1.5 kg over the limit. She then resorted to using various cardio machines and performing wrestling moves until 5.30 am. Akos confessed, “I don’t intentionally write dramatic details, but I only remember thinking that she might die.”

Despite her disqualification, Phogat received a grand reception upon her return from Paris. Hundreds of supporters gathered at IGI Airport to welcome her. Phogat expressed her gratitude and reiterated her commitment to her ongoing struggle with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), stating her hope that “truth will prevail.”

Phogat’s disqualification and her fight against the WFI have sparked discussions about the extreme measures athletes undergo and the broader issues within sports governance.

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/vinesh-phogats-coach-thought-she-might-die-during-weight-cutting-process-at-paris-olympics-1073955-2024-08-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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