WRESTLERS’ DIETS a look into the weight-loss methods used by wrestlers at Tino
ANTHONY ZHU online editor
Similar to how professional wrestling works, high school wrestlers are separated by weight classes so athletes can face opponents of similar physical stature, making matches more competitive. Because of the weight class system, many high school wrestlers have to cut weight so that they do not weigh more than they are supposed to at meets or tournaments. And although it can be done in unhealthy ways, weight cutting by itself is not a dangerous practice if done correctly. Junior Mohammad Raghozar and Junior Naveen Armin are two Cupertino High School wrestlers who weight cut throughout the high school season. As experienced wrestlers, they have strategies and techniques for achieving their weight goals. Says Raghozar, “We have to make a plan. It depends on each person and how their body works. For myself, I like snacking, instead of having a big meal. I divide my food so my body can digest it. In addition to wrestling practice after school, I have to go home and run a little bit more. Sometimes, I use the sauna, but I don’t do it in a way that hurts me. I have to save some energy for the next day. Hot baths work for me because I sweat a lot, and I lose almost 2 pounds every time I have one.”
In addition to watching what they eat, wrestlers have to be careful of their fluid intake. Says Armin, “I also had to cut out water a little bit because usually water is what pulls you down. One of my friends ended up getting disqualified because he was overweight, and he was confused as to why. He was like, ‘All I had was soup.’ But that’s literally all water, and water weight is what will kill a wrestler.” To make sure that they are not disqualified by the weigh-in, wrestlers have to continually keep track of their weight throughout the
“We have to make a plan. It depends on each person and how their body works.” day and make adjustments so that they will be at the right weight. Between the weighin and the matches, however, wrestlers can eat and drink more than usual as they will not be weighed again until the next meet. at the end of a meet or tournament, many wrestlers celebrate with a little bit of food. Says Armin, “Usually, if I win, I eat a bag of Takis because those are my favorite snack,
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and I don’t get to eat a lot during the wrestling season. I’ll maybe sneak a little candy in there once in a while, maybe one of those chicken sandwiches.” But because of how often meets occur, wrestlers cannot gain too much weight as they will have to cut back down in a couple of days. Due to the pressure to avoid disqualification, there are high school wrestlers who cut weight in unhealthy ways, but this is avoidable. Says Armin, “When I see people doing all of these unhealthy tactics, it’s mostly because they’re not setting themselves up for success. They procrastinate and think they can drop the two pounds right before the match. And they end up having to wear three layers right before their match, trying to sweat out all that weight. And when the match comes, what’s the point, they take the L because they overworked themselves.” Wrestlers who struggle with meeting their weight goal can seek support from their coaches. Says Raghozar, “Sometimes, in the mornings before meets, I come and check in with my coach. Because I’m a student-athlete and I have to be able to perform in school, I gotta be eating. So we plan it out, and since I have a free 7th, I can get a little bit of workout in. One day I didn’t eat breakfast, but I went to my coach, and he gave me a little bit of oatmeal, which is pretty light. I talk to my coach every day about my weight to keep it constant.”
