With training centres closed due to the coronavirus crisis, wrestlers opted for different methods to train. While some are focussing on building strength, some have gone back to the traditional ways to practice. But Germany’s Denis Kudla has found another way to continue his training. The 2016 Olympic medallist has made his girlfriend his sparring partner.
The 25-year-old is keeping his dream of the Olympic title alive amid the pandemic. Since the training center in Heidelberg is largely closed due to Corona, the wrestling ace sweats in the basement at home in Schifferstadt.
Sling trainer, slide mats, free weights, bicycle – Kudla has borrowed or bought everything he needs. His father gave him a punching bag.
But the biggest problem: “I haven’t been on the mat for over a month. Of course, I’m itching. ” “My girlfriend has to suffer sometimes,” says Kudla and laughs: “Instead of any opponents, I’m just throwing her around now.” Fortunately, she can do it. Because: Simone (24) is a weightlifter, can take a lot.
In addition to triple world champion Frank Stäbler, Kudla is Germany’s hope for a medal in wrestling at the Olympics in Tokyo.
The 87-kilo athlete welcomes the postponement of the games to summer 2021: “They would have had to take place without spectators and that would not have been the same. There are still a number of starting positions available, the qualification would have been pure chaos. ”
Kudla himself, who won bronze at 2016 Olympics already has his ticket. And a clear goal: “Confirm Rio’s performance. If possible, even improve. ” He gets the strength for it in the basement.
