This is art in motion.
Byambajav (left) begins this match at a sixty-four (64) pound deficit, and (though it appears otherwise) an extra inch of height. The higher center of gravity, and the longer moment arm in trunk extension are both significant liabilities, even with parity of weight and strength. In essence, the weaker, lighter, taller combatant has glaring anatomical disadvantages. Through efficient and intelligent movement, he not only compensates for his compromised starting position, but dominates the entire match in a smooth and seemingly effortless manner. Though this match may be perceived by many as an athletic anomaly, a stroke of fortune, or simply a mismatch of skill, it is actually a consistent demonstration of biomechanical reality. The initial calculations of force potential favor Gneitling (right), but kinetic mathematics are based on objects in motion, and Byambajav is able to close ground with each step.
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The superior starting position of Byambajav is already obvious. He has a flared knee position with toes straight and heels down. This is evidence of good hip mobility, posterior chain dominance, and high torque potential. His stance is also more or less symmetrical, a position which facilitates acceleration and directs momentum linearly. His spine is flat, which suggests that his weight is disposed evenly, rather than excessively forward of his center of gravity. The neutral spine allows him to keep his eyes forward without tilting his neck into hyperextension, which, in turn protects the neutral spine. Good form, as bad form, is often self-reinforcing.
Conversely, Gneitling has a somewhat adducted left knee position with an externally rotated tibia. His right leg is not clearly visible, but it is clearly trailing and positioned asymmetrically, which contributes to the high hip position and anterior disposition of weight. The flexed hip and extended knee create a relatively unstable platform, which causes the shoulders to drop and the heels to rise. The anterior tilt contributes to a kyphotic (round back) position, which means that a greater degree of neck extension is required to achieve the same eye height. The kyphotic curve is exacerbated by neck extension, which, in turn, exacerbates kyphosis. Bad form, as good form, is often self-reinforcing.
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Byambajav accelerates at a vastly superior rate, more than compensating for his relative lack of mass (F=MA). His trajectory is entirely forward, arms tucked, toes straight, with very little loss in momentum. His trail leg is adducted and externally rotated; the full force of his glute is acting in tandem with his quadriceps to spring forward (rather than upwards). Similarly, the lead heel remains low to prevent vertical deflection of force.
Gneitling accelerates poorly, but his anterior starting position allows him to cover more ground with less movement. He has hips flexed, knees extended, and toes up. His position is adequately low, and he's technically using his anatomical advantages to the fullest. Such reliance may serve in a linear battle of raw strength (tug of war), but it proves counterproductive in dynamic activity. If he does not gain the initiative from overwhelming his opponent at initial contact, the match is lost, because he is not in any sort of position to defend against a counterattack.
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Initial contact favors Byambajav. Both athletes are projected vertically, but Gneitling, whose weight was already far forward of his base of power, is now even more perilously distributed on his anterior chain. He is more or less forced to lean on his opponent to sustain force.
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Byambajav sustains initiative after the break in contact by resetting his weight on the posterior chain and driving forward. Gneitling, who has maintained a more vertical position for the entire match, is unable to reset to any appreciable degree, and is again attempting to use his superior mass to gain control, though this time from an even more unfavorable angle.
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The discrepancy in force potential at the current angles gives the match away. It would not matter if Gneitling had a 200 pound advantage, given the displacement of his heels from the center mass of their entanglement.
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One wrestler has a split stance with heels on ground and lead foot planted approximately at center mass. One wrestler has a narrow plantarflexed stance approximately one meter from the center mass. Given that a moment arm displacement of one (1) inch has an appreciable impact on external/internal force requirements, it is safe to assume that only one of these athletes is in position to lift the other.
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Trail leg sweeps in and joins the lead at center mass. As Byambajav pulls back, the center of mass is shifted increasingly towards the fulcrum (his hips), and the moment arm is shortened to its plausible minimum.
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Hip extension at hip stance with initial knee drive. Or, as some call it, the Romanian Deadlift.
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Rotation begins. Unilateral weight transference, hand placement shift. This is only possible because the weight is being supported and moved by the versatile ball and socket hip joint, rather than the immobile hinges of the knee and spine.
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Rotation continues. The most important part of this video. Elegant and coordinated pivot on the right heel and left ball, which facilitates the smooth lateral transition of force with minimal loss in momentum. This skill is the foundation of agility training in sport, and a fundamental of efficient human movement.
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Stance is reset to ensure momentum is not impeded on the descent. Similar to a follow-through in baseball.
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Excess momentum is absorbed with further rotation. The left leg elevates in following the trajectory of force.
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A perfect heel landing to close the show. It was not at all "necessary", but to make such things second nature is the purpose of training. Byambajav won not because he mindfully observed proper form, but because his past training liberated him to be mindful of the present.
