A Young Phenomenon
At just 25 years old, Yui Susaki has already established herself as a dominant force in freestyle wrestling. With an Olympic gold medal and four world championships under her belt, she is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world. Standing at 5 feet (1.52 meters), Susaki’s undefeated record at the senior international level speaks volumes about her prowess on the mat.
The Secret to Her Success: Shin-Gi-Tai
Susaki attributes her success to the Japanese concept of “shin-gi-tai,” which encompasses the mental, technical, and physical aspects of life. She explained to CNN that at the Olympic level, athletes’ shin-gi-tai is comparable. To stand out, one needs to tap into their soul and believe in themselves constantly. This philosophy has guided Susaki through her rigorous training sessions and competitions.
Dominating the Tokyo Olympics
Under the guidance of her long-time coach and wrestling legend Shoko Yoshimura, Susaki made a sensational debut at the Tokyo Olympics. She competed in the women’s 50kg category and did not concede a single point, showcasing her technical prowess and raw strength. Susaki’s performance earned her the title of the first wrestler to achieve a “grand slam” in the sport, winning championships at every level from U15s to the Olympics.
Aiming for Consecutive Gold Medals
As she prepares for the Paris Games, Susaki is eager to defend her title and perform in front of a live audience. She aims to secure her second consecutive Olympic victory and has set her sights on future Games in Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032), with a goal of winning four Olympic gold medals in a row.
Training in Dagestan: Learning from the Best
Susaki’s training regimen includes time spent in Dagestan, Russia, a region renowned for producing top-tier wrestling and combat athletes. There, she trained with her idol, Zaurbek Sidakov, the reigning Olympic champion in the men’s 74kg category. Although Sidakov is transitioning to mixed martial arts, he has imparted valuable techniques and mental strategies to Susaki, enriching her training experience.
Mutual Admiration
Sidakov has high praise for Susaki, recognizing her as the strongest in her weight class and expressing confidence that she will remain unbeaten in the near future. This mutual admiration highlights the respect Susaki commands in the wrestling community and her dedication to continuous improvement.
Innovative Training Techniques
Back in Japan, Susaki prepares for the Games with diverse training methods, including running up and down the esteemed “gold medal hill” in Niigata, a training site for many of Japan’s top Olympians. She has also incorporated speed-skating and bouldering into her routine, which have enhanced her posture and grip, further honing her wrestling skills.
Thriving Under Pressure
Despite the expectations of an entire nation, Susaki thrives under pressure. She channels the support and cheers into her strength, finding joy in the challenge of pursuing her Olympic goals. Her determination to capture gold again is a testament to her unwavering focus and passion for the sport. Susaki aspires to be a role model for others, exemplifying dedication and excellence in wrestling.
By maintaining her physical prowess and mental fortitude, Yui Susaki continues to inspire and dominate, embodying the spirit of a true champion.(PHWIN)