Iranian wrestling great Mohammadali Geraei has stunned fans and Croatian opponent Bozo Starcevic with a flying squirrel move during their meeting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, showing off his array of violent methods of attack.
The two-time world bronze medalist went for broke with seconds remaining in the quarterfinal, leaping over Starcevic to execute the Flying Squirrel move to perfection, sealing two points and a 5-5 win on criteria.
Geraei's eye-catching attack was not the first time the Greco-Roman wrestler had endeared himself to fans, producing another sensational piece of craftsmanship in his previous fight, when he picked up Pena Flores, held him over the mat and front-rolled his opponent on the way to a 7-3 victory.
Beaten Starcevic was understandably distraught at his narrow defeat, reportedly taking several minutes to leave the arena.
"Ali Geraei’s move on the Croatian wrestler deserved a gold medal on its own," said basketball star Kazemi, who was the first ever Iranian to be drafted by the NBA. "Wow."
The man is on another level of technique, agility and strength! Can't wait for the semi-final and his brother's game tomorrow.
Geraei was hailed as a "warrior" who "makes it look easy", with one admirer responding: "The man is on another level of technique, agility and strength."
His quest for gold at 77kg, though, ended with defeat to Hungarian Ferenc Lorincz, meaning he will battle Shohei Yabiku for bronze on Tuesday.
