Weigh-in Controversy at the Paris Olympics | 08 Aug 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Vinesh Phogat (Indian Wrestler) failed to make a crucial second weight cut, which prevented her from participating in the gold medal bout, thus ending her chances of medaling at the Paris Olympics. She was 100 grams overweight at the weigh-in.

What is Controversy Related to Weigh-in at the Paris Olympics?

Background: She had been participating in the 53 kg category until recently before she made the switch to 50 kg at the Paris Olympics.
- Phogat’s usual weight is around 55-56 kg, which she has to cut to 50 kg on the days of competition.
- She is already lean due to intense training, with very little body fat left to lose.
Methods of Weight Cutting: Athletes typically use various methods.
- Dehydration: Reducing water intake and using saunas or sweat suits to lose water weight.
- Dietary Restrictions: Limiting calorie intake and following low-carbohydrate diets.
- Exercise: Engaging in intense workouts to burn calories and lose weight quickly.

What is Weigh-in at Paris Olympics 2024?

UWW Rules on Weigh-ins: According to United World Wrestling’s (UWW) Olympics weigh-in rules, wrestlers have to weigh in on the morning of their competition.
- Athletes must weigh in at or below the category limit on all competition days. Olympic wrestling competitions occur over two days, requiring weigh-ins on both days.
- Phogat made weight on the first day but failed to meet the 50 kg limit on the second day, resulting in her disqualification.
Consequences of Failing the Weigh-in: Athletes failing to weigh in on either day are disqualified and ranked last, without rank, unless injured on the first day.
Injury Exception: Injured athletes on Day 1 are exempt from the second weigh-in and can retain their results. Injuries after Day 1 still require attending the second weigh-in.
Format Change for Olympic Wrestling: Before 2017, Olympic wrestling competitions in each weight category occurred in one day, with athletes weighing in only once. In 2017, UWW changed to a two-day format to improve fairness and athlete safety, requiring athletes to weigh in on both days of competition.

How Can a Wrestler Gain More Weight in Kilograms after Correcting on Day 1?

Rehydration and Recovery: After Day 1 weigh-in, wrestlers rehydrate and replenish with fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates, regaining much of the lost weight.
Temporary Nature of Weight Loss: Weight lost via dehydration is mostly water weight, regained once normal hydration and eating resume, leading to higher Day 2 weight.
Impact on Performance: While rehydration restores energy, rapid weight changes can impact performance, causing fatigue, cramps, and reduced endurance if not managed well.
Strategic Advantage: Some wrestlers use weight cutting to gain a competitive edge by weighing more on competition day, enhancing power and strength against less-depleted opponents.

Note:

In another development related to Paris Olympic, Swapnil Kusale won the bronze medal in the men's 50-metre rifle three positions event.