After executing a remarkable ‘flying squirrel’ move in the dying seconds of the 86kg quarterfinal at the U23 European Championships in Serbia, Russian wrestler Bozigit Islamgereev became an internet sensation. The video of his extraordinary move, shared by United World Wrestling (UWW), quickly spread beyond the realm of combat sports, garnering widespread attention. Islamgereev’s move achieved unprecedented virality in the wrestling world.
Islamgereev, in an interview with UWW, expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming response to his video, stating that it has become ubiquitous across social media platforms. Despite trailing 8-3 in the quarterfinal match against French wrestler Rakhim Magamadov, Islamgereev staged a dramatic comeback in the final seconds, ultimately securing victory.
During the intense quarterfinal match, Islamgereev, facing a deficit, strategically outmaneuvered Magamadov with a series of calculated moves. With only seconds remaining on the clock, Islamgereev executed a bold aerial maneuver, surprising his opponent and securing a crucial four-point score. His tactical approach and swift action in the face of adversity led to a remarkable turnaround in the match.
In the subsequent final match, Islamgereev continued his winning streak by defeating Ahmet Yagan of Turkey, clinching the U23 European championship title. His exceptional performance throughout the championship solidified his reputation as a formidable wrestler on the international stage.
