Olympic Wrestling Champion Details Development of Signature Suplex Throw

Five-time world champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist Nikolai Balboshin explained how he developed his trademark suplex throw in Greco-Roman wrestling during the 1970s. Balboshin revealed the technique was born from motivation after a coach called him a "pusher," driving him to prove himself as a true wrestler. He described an intensive training regimen including 100 repetitions on each arm three times daily using spring-loaded equipment with maximum resistance. Balboshin explained the critical technical element is the hip thrust that keeps the wrestler on straight legs while the opponent flies over. He eventually mastered the throw in both directions after initially only executing it to the left. The interview provides historical insight into Soviet-era wrestling training methods and the mindset of an elite competitor.