International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 14(3), pp. 665 - 673
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140310
Reprint (PDF) (1098Kb)

Competitive Performance Dynamics in Wrestling: A Four-Year Analysis of World Championships (2020–2023)

Yrui Tropin ¹, Milorad Dokmanac ², Mario Baic ³, David Curby ⁴, Georgiy Korobeynikov ^5,6,*, Vladimir Shatskih ⁷, Lesia Korobeinikova ^5,6, Mykola Latyshev ⁸, Shukurjon Gaziyev ⁹, Alexand Gorascenco ^10
1 Department of Martial Arts, Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Ukraine
² Department of Sports, Sports Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
³ Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
⁴ International Network of Wrestling Researchers, Chicago, United States
⁵ Department of Combat Sports and Power Sports, National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport, Ukraine
⁶ Department of Theory and Methods of International Wrestling, Uzbek State University of Physical Education and Sport, Uzbekistan
⁷ National Team of Greco-Roman Wrestling, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
⁸ Department of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, Ukraine
⁹ Department of Theory and Methodology of Sport Wrestling, Uzbek State University of Physical Education and Sport, Uzbekistan
¹⁰ Department of Athletics, State University of Physical Education and Sport, Moldova

ABSTRACT

Transformations in the overall structure of competitive activity, including rule modifications and tactical evolution, have significantly affected match dynamics and athlete performance, highlighting the importance of continuously evaluating performance trends. The aim of this study is to examine the dynamics of competitive performance indicators among elite wrestlers based on the analysis of World Championships from 2020 to 2023. The study analyzed the performance of 2765 athletes: 1000 Greco-Roman wrestlers, 1033 freestyle wrestlers, and 732 female wrestlers. A total of 3206 bouts from the World Wrestling Championships (2020–2023) were examined. The analysis showed a consistent increase in total points scored across all wrestling styles over the years. The most effective techniques remained consistent throughout the period. In Greco-Roman wrestling, the most points were scored from gut wrenches, lifts (parterre), and passivity, takedowns (standing). In freestyle and women's wrestling, leg attacks and takedowns were most effective in standing, while gut wrenches, turn overs, and ankle lace dominated in parterre. The average number of points per bout increased steadily in freestyle wrestling (from 8.7 in 2020 to 9.8 in 2023), while in Greco-Roman and women's wrestling it fluctuated. The success index in freestyle rose to its peak in 2023 (2.1), while in women's wrestling it peaked in 2021 (2.0) and slightly declined before rising again. The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing adjustments to competition regulations, particularly in Greco-Roman wrestling, to ensure balanced competitiveness and maintain the sport's attractiveness to spectators.

KEYWORDS
Wrestling, Performance Analysis, Indicators, World Championship, Competition, Data Analysis

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Yrui Tropin , Milorad Dokmanac , Mario Baic , David Curby , Georgiy Korobeynikov , Vladimir Shatskih , Lesia Korobeinikova , Mykola Latyshev , Shukurjon Gaziyev , Alexand Gorascenco , "Competitive Performance Dynamics in Wrestling: A Four-Year Analysis of World Championships (2020–2023)," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 665 - 673, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140310.

(b). APA Format:
Yrui Tropin , Milorad Dokmanac , Mario Baic , David Curby , Georgiy Korobeynikov , Vladimir Shatskih , Lesia Korobeinikova , Mykola Latyshev , Shukurjon Gaziyev , Alexand Gorascenco (2026). Competitive Performance Dynamics in Wrestling: A Four-Year Analysis of World Championships (2020–2023). International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 14(3), 665 - 673. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140310.