Inside the Ropes and on the Mat: Contrasting WWE and Olympic Wrestling with Dr. Saam Falahati

In a captivating podcast interview on Athlete's Blueprint, Dr. Saam Falahati, a seasoned medical professional deeply entrenched in the world of wrestling, delved into the multifaceted realm of Olympic wrestling. From doping controversies to funding challenges, and from the intricate dynamics of professional wrestling to the profound personal impact of the sport, Dr. Falahati's insights shed light on the often overlooked aspects of this intense and demanding discipline.

Doping Dilemmas: Navigating the Stigma

Dr. Falahati candidly addresses the pervasive issue of doping in wrestling, acknowledging the challenges athletes face in dispelling the stigma associated with performance-enhancing substances. He astutely observes,

"It's always contaminated something... It's unfortunate, you just never, you never, and I can understand this. It's very hard to believe."

This sentiment encapsulates the scepticism surrounding athletes' claims of innocence in the face of doping allegations.

Wrestling's Physical Toll: The Price of Performance

In discussing common substances athletes are caught out by, Dr. Falahati highlights the use of anabolic steroids and diuretics in wrestling. He emphasizes the adverse health consequences of these substances, noting that while they may offer temporary performance benefits, they can lead to severe long-term health issues such as kidney failure and cardiomyopathy. He warns,

"Okay, there might be that potential benefit from a performance enhancing benefit temporarily, but... you've got kidney failure, your heart's like, you know, going double its size... So the education of... the adverse side effects of taking these [substances]..."

underscores the serious risks athletes take in pursuit of success.

Beyond the Mat: Wrestling in Professional Circuits

Contrasting Olympic wrestling with professional wrestling, Dr. Falahati draws parallels with performance arts like Cirque du Soleil. He acknowledges the athleticism and physical demands of professional wrestling while highlighting the scripted nature of the outcomes. He explains,

"They're performers in the same way that say, like, you know, the circus relay and like, you know, the performers there are. So it's not that, you know, what they do requires a lot of athleticism, high physical demand."

This nuanced perspective offers a fresh understanding of professional wrestling as both entertainment and athletic performance, distinct from the competitive rigors of Olympic wrestling.

Funding Frustrations: The Financial Realities of Wrestling

Addressing the disparity in funding for wrestling programs, Dr. Falahati notes the Catch-22 situation wherein success is required to attract funding, yet funding is necessary to achieve success. He underscores the challenges faced by athletes in countries with limited resources, where lack of financial support can hinder their progress and potential achievements on the world stage. He reflects,

"Sports is one of those things where you don't really get the funding until you achieve success in terms of medals... It's hard to achieve those results without funding."

Wrestling's Impact Beyond the Arena: Lessons Learned

Reflecting on the personal impact of wrestling, Dr. Falahati highlights the invaluable life lessons it imparts, from discipline and work ethic to resilience in the face of adversity. He shares poignant anecdotes of athletes who have transitioned into successful careers outside the wrestling arena, leveraging the skills and values instilled by the sport to excel in diverse fields. He emphasizes,

"Wrestling has given me a lot more than it's ever taken... A lot of my very good friends and people that I know are from wrestling... Wrestling will always give me more than it will take."

Conclusion: Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Wrestling

Dr. Saam Falahati's illuminating insights offer a compelling narrative that transcends the boundaries of wrestling. Through his words, wrestling emerges not just as a sport, but as a profound journey of resilience, camaraderie, and personal growth. Tune in to Athlete's Blueprint to uncover more untold stories from the world of sports.

Listen to the podcast interview here