#OffTheMat

Match Breakdown: How did Akgul tech three-time world champ Petriashvili?

By Eric Olanowski

COSIER-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 3) --- Taha AKGUL (TUR) and Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have arguably the greatest freestyle rivalry of the last decade. Combined, they have three Olympic medals – including a Rio Olympic gold – five world titles and ten European gold medals.

While in Turkey, Akgul sat down with United World Wrestling to break down one of the most important matches of his career, which happened to be against his Georgian rival. He treated fans an in-depth look into his mental and physical approach against his arch-nemesis.

Akgul selected his quarterfinals match at the 2017 European Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia against Petriashvili to break down. The Turkish legend said this match was so significant in his career because it was the first major championship after winning his Olympic title and athletes tend to lose concentration after winning Olympic gold.

#OffTheMat

#OffTheMat: Hildebrant says one of her best moves is unstoppable! What move was it?

By Eric Olanowski

ACAPULCO, Mexico (June 13) --- Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Sarah HILDEBRANDT (USA) went #OffTheMat to answer questions from her fans.

Hildebrant talked about where the Harry Potter sorting hat would put her, only using pens with caps and her inability to do a backflip. She also talked about what motivates her, her favorite wrestler and the biggest lesson she’s learned from wrestling.