Comparative performance analysis between winners and losers in freestyle wrestling at the 2023 World Championship

Background and purpose In the modern sports world, the study of factors determining success in competitions remains a topic of constant interest for researchers. Purpose: study is to identify differences in performance indicators between winners and losers among freestyle wrestlers at the 2023 World Championship. Data from 703 matches at the 2023 World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia were analyzed. Material and Methods The aim of this study is to identify differences in performance indicators between winners and losers among freestyle wrestlers at the 2023 World Championship. Data from 703 matches at the 2023 World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia were analyzed. Results Analysis was conducted using the Internet platform Performance Data Analysis. Statistically significant differences were found between the average number of actions performed by the winners and the losers (p<0.05) for both male and female athletes. The analysis revealed a similar trend among both winners and losers in the per-centage distribution of actions evaluated with a specific number of points: two-point actions were performed the most frequently. The effectiveness was significantly higher (p<0.05) among the winning wrestlers compared to the losing ones in both styles. The average scores per match were 7.7 points for men and 7.1 points for women among the winners, and 1.8 points for men and 1.6 points for women among the losers. The ratio of actions performed by winners to those performed by losers was 3.8 for men and 3.7 for women. Both winning and losing athletes, regardless of gender, performed more actions in the standing position than in the parterre. For all wrestlers, leg attacks were the most common action, with a frequency ranging from 22.8% to 27.5% of all actions. Conclusions The study indicates notable differences in performance indicators between winners and losers. Winners generally demonstrate a higher level of technical and tactical preparedness. They adapt more swiftly to their opponent's actions and are capable of effectively responding to changing circumstances during the match.