Anthropometric Characteristics and Body Composition Changes in a Five-Time Olympic Champion in Greco-Roman Wrestling: A Longitudinal Case Study Towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

<b>Purpose</b>: This case study examines the anthropometric characteristics and body composition changes of a 41-year-old Cuban Greco-Roman 130 kg wrestler, a five-time Olympic gold medalist (2008–2024). To optimize his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, another athlete partic...

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Main Authors: Wiliam Carvajal-Veitía, Carlos Abraham Herrera-Amante, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Vladimir Gainza-Pérez, Yanell Deturnell-Campos, Carlos Cristi-Montero, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, César Octavio Ramos-García
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/176
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Summary:<b>Purpose</b>: This case study examines the anthropometric characteristics and body composition changes of a 41-year-old Cuban Greco-Roman 130 kg wrestler, a five-time Olympic gold medalist (2008–2024). To optimize his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, another athlete participated in the qualifying process, allowing him to train without competition gear. <b>Methods</b>: The study monitored changes in body composition using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at three key time points in 2024: January, June, and July. The final assessment occurred 25 days before the Olympic event, coinciding with the final phase of his preparation. <b>Results</b>: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in total body mass, from 150 kg in January to 138.5 kg in July, with fat mass decreasing from 37.06 kg (24.11%) to 29.7 kg (21.5%). Muscle mass decreased slightly (77.41 kg to 72.3 kg), while bone mass remained stable. The somatotype classification was endomorphic–mesomorphic at all assessments, with slight shifts in its components (4.6–10.4–0.1 in January to 4.4–10.3–0.1 in July), reflecting an improved muscle–fat ratio. Notably, hydration levels and cellular integrity remained stable, as indicated by BIVA analysis. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study provides insight into the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of an elite Greco-Roman wrestler, as well as the changes observed during his preparation for his final Olympic participation. These data serve as a valuable reference for wrestlers and sports professionals, highlighting the physical profile of one of the most emblematic figures in Olympic history.
ISSN:2411-5142