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Russian Wrestler's 'Flying Squirrel' Move Stuns World, Reveals Secret Plan

Russian wrestler Bozigit Islamgereev executed a stunning 'flying squirrel' move to win a U23 European Championships quarterfinal with just seconds remaining. The video of the move, posted by United World Wrestling, achieved unprecedented virality beyond the sports world. Islamgereev explained he faked a leg attack to trick his opponent into lowering his stance, allowing him to jump over and score. He later won the tournament, becoming the U23 European champion.

Key Points: Viral 'Flying Squirrel' Wrestling Move Explained by Athlete

  • Move went viral globally
  • Executed with 7 seconds left
  • Won U23 European title
  • Faked a leg attack to set it up
2 min read

'Fake the legs attack and trick him': Russian wrestler Islamgereev reveals plan behind his jaw-dropping 'flying squirrel' move

Russian wrestler Bozigit Islamgereev reveals the plan behind his viral 'flying squirrel' move that won a U23 European Championships quarterfinal.

"The main thing is first to fake an attack to the legs and trick him. - Bozigit Islamgereev"

New Delhi, March 13

After Russian wrestler Bozigit Islamgereev scored 'flying squirrel' move over Frenchman Rakhim Magamadov in the dying seconds of the 86kg quarterfinal at the U23 European Championships in Zrenjanin, Serbia, he quickly became an internet sensation.

After a video of his sensational move was posted by United World Wrestling (UWW), it quickly went viral and spread beyond the combat sports world and to the masses. No wrestling video has attained the level of virality that Islamgereev's move has.

"Everyone was shocked. My videos are everywhere now, I can't even keep up with Instagram anymore. I'm all over the feed. Everyone congratulated me, absolutely everyone. People are surprised, shocked. Everyone is asking how this even happened," Islamgereev told UWW.

During the 86 kg quarterfinal, Islamgereev was trailing 8-3 with 15 seconds left in the match against Magamadov, who was the favourite at the time to win gold. Islamgereev then scored a step-out and caution point to cut the lead to 8-5 with 7 seconds left.

Islamgereev took a few steps forward towards Magamadov, who stayed low to avoid a double-leg attack which could have cost him two or four points. But the Russian jumped over Magamadov and locked him from behind while himself being upside down and slammed the French wrestler to score four points.

"There were literally only a few seconds left, probably around 10 seconds, when I pushed him out. Then there were about 7 seconds remaining.

"I couldn't get to his legs at all. I thought to myself that since I couldn't attack from below, I would try from above. He was standing very low and I couldn't make a leg attack. So I decided to try from above. At the end, there were only a couple of seconds left, there was no time to think too much. In that moment you either take the risk or end up with nothing. I took the risk. That's how it happened; I jumped, he explained.

"The main thing is first to fake an attack to the legs and trick him. As soon as he leans down, you need to jump upward so he can't catch your legs. Then you have to be careful, you need to land on both feet so you can lift him and score four points," the Russian added.

In the final on Wednesday, he defeated Ahmet Yagan of Turkey 2-1, to become the U23 European champion.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The video is mind-blowing! The split-second decision making under that pressure is what separates champions from the rest. Hats off to his creativity and courage.
R
Rohit P
While the move is spectacular, I hope our Indian wrestlers are taking notes. We have the talent but sometimes lack that killer instinct in the final moments. We need to be more unpredictable and daring like this.
A
Ananya R
The strategy is so smart! "Fake the legs and trick him" – it's like a chess move on the mat. This shows wrestling is as much about brains as it is about brawn. Brilliant!
J
James A
Respectfully, while the move is amazing, the article focuses a lot on the viral aspect. I wish it went deeper into the technical breakdown for us wrestling enthusiasts. Still, a historic moment for the sport.
P
Priya S
Goes to show, you should never count anyone out till the final whistle! What a comeback story. This will be talked about for years. 🤯

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