The aim of this study was to compare the starting age of training, training background, sport achievement and performance consistency of Iranian elite wrestlers with famous countries ones. 800 elite wrestlers in the seven world famous countries; including Russia, Iran, USA, Cuba, Turkey, Georgia and Ukraine who won medals in international competitions since 1960s were studied. All information about number of obtained medals by national teams at international levels (continental championships, World senior and junior championships and Olympic Games) was extracted from FILA (international federation of associated wrestling styles) database. The result of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe post hoc test at P≤0/05 showed significant difference between Iranian wrestlers' starting age (12.25±2.19 yrs) and other countries (10.94±2.48 yrs). However, Iranian wrestlers had won their medals earlier than other countries (6.97±3.06 yrs VS 8.32±3.94 yrs). Also, the age of obtaining best medals by Iranian wrestlers (19.16±2.8 yrs) was earlier than six other countries. The performance consistency of wrestlers from Cuba (5.13±4.27 yrs) was higher than other countries. It can be concluded that, in addition to the variety of factors that could affect on wrestlers' performance, the starting age of training and time of specialization are most important factors for success in sport of wrestling.

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