Rivals on the mat and brothers outside the mat

Interview with Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Kyle Snyder

This story is not about the sport, rather about the friendship of sportsmen outside the ring. Kyle Snyder, an American freestyle wrestler, world champion and 2016 Olympic champion in the weight up to 97 kg, was invited to the Republic of Dagestan by his wrestling mat rival, two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev. Snyder accepted the invitation and decided at the same time to participate in the annual prestigious Umakhanov wrestling tournament.

The journey to Dagestan impressed the American wrestler very much. During his stay he visited a lot of places, was taken sightseeing and became acquainted with the culture and traditions of the people of the republic. Kyle has kindly agreed to share his impressions with the readers of As-Salam newspaper.

– Kyle, please, share your memories of Dagestan.

– It is very nice place and the people are very kind here. I am really happy to have the chance to meet them. It feels like it happens once in a lifetime.

- I know that you liked the nature and food as well. Is there anything else that you would point out? What was the most amazing thing?

- Nature is really good, but I would like to point out the fried Dagestan pancake, called “chudu” (laughs). I really liked it with cheese. I think it’s my favorite food now! Of course, I liked those with other fillings as well.

- Having tasted so many delicious treats, how do you feel about participating in the tournament?

– You are so right, it will be hard to compete now. When I am at home, I never eat so much.

- Here in Dagestan you talked a lot with ordinary people. Have you noticed any difference between Russians and Americans?

- There are a lot of similarities, I did not notice a big difference. There are more good people everywhere.

– Does the Republic of Dagestan resemble any American state?

- I have not seen anything similar to Dagestan in the USA. Here you have a unique nature and landscape.

- What opportunities for training are available for young wrestlers in the USA? Can you compare them with those in Dagestan?

- There are no such opportunities for training for young people in America, as you have here in your republic. Only professional wrestlers have excellent conditions in our country.

- Are you planning a return visit to your homeland for Abdulrashid Sadulaev?

- I still do not know how I can arrange to repeat such a wonderful hosting and programme that they organized for me here. It will be very difficult for me, yet still I have already some ideas!

- What wishes would you convey to the Russians from the American people?

- I cannot say about wishes now, I would rather note that I am very pleased with the relations between our peoples, and I treat everyone equally, regardless of nationality.

RUSLAN TULYAKOV

As-Salam correspondent