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With Eye on Safety, Lithuania Returns to Practice Mats

By United World Wrestling Press

VILNIUS, Lithuania (May 22) -- With few cases of COVID-19 nationwide, Lithuania's top wrestlers are returning to the mat, albeit with safety precautions in place. 

Lithuania has only seen 1600 total cases of COVID-19 and 60 deaths. Despite the lower numbers the wrestling federation and the athletes are taking every precaution they can to ensure the health and safety of the wrestlers on the mat. The new guidelines for practice includes increased cleaning protocols, temperature checks, hand sanitization and face masks (for anyone not actively wrestling).

Athletes’ Commission member Mindaugas EZERSKIS mentioned the practices during Monday's Athlete Webinar with the commission and UWW President Nenad Lalovic. Ezerskis said the team is training during the week and taking weekends off with a focus on preparing for the Olympics and Olympic Qualification events. 

You can watch the full video, here.

UWW statement on Iran wrestlers

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 29) -- United World Wrestling has received multiple communications regarding the situation of four Iranian wrestlers. UWW is attentive to these concerns and is actively following the situation.

As a sporting organization, UWW is not in a position to directly influence global or national affairs. However, we are particularly concerned about the situation of Iranian athletes impacted by the events unfolding in their country, as we are with all athletes worldwide who are affected by conflict and tragedy.

UWW is seeking further reliable information and reiterates its commitment to the protection of athletes and respect for fundamental sporting values.