I was able to catch up with JoeFlo and Bader while they were in Russia and post their return to America.  From their arrival in St. Petersburg to the footage they obtained in SSK Arena, these two gave me the rundown on how they spent their time prior to and during Russian Nationals:

Things Start to Come Together  
When JoeFlo and Bader first landed in Russia, they didn’t have a place to stay, they didn’t have press credentials for Russian Nationals, they didn’t know where to find the wrestling arena, etc.  They did have transportation, but they could barely read the street signs, and they surely had trouble communicating with the fine gentlemen who were hauling them around St. Peterburg.  But, as usual with JoeFlo and Bader, things came together, and they made it happen for the most competitive Olympic trials in the world, Russian Nationals. 


(Bader showing FLO 'round the palace)

Finding a Crib
JoeFlo and Bader had to pull some strings to land this place: the honeymoon suite, St. Petersburg.  Equipped with an elegant and spacious foyer, top-of-the-line towel holders, a state-of-the-art master bathroom, a highly-interactive electronics department, an over-the-top living room and a fully furnished kitchen, this room rocks!  Did I mention the view?  

Small Victories
It wasn’t easy, but JoeFlo and Bader got themselves set up in the SKK Arena, St. Petersburg.  Equipped with three cameras, multiple laptops, a Russian chaperon name Borat and a finely designated shooting area, these two were ready to obtain the footage they traveled halfway across the world for.  The duo counted each small happening as a victory, and the rest is Russian Nationals magic!



(Beast Mode front and center, 120kg finals)


 

Makhov Goes Beast Mode 
Next-level wrestling occurs often in Russia, but what about next-next-level wrestling?  I’m talking about Beast Mode:  that superhuman state of being in which animal instinct takes over mind and body –the type of stuff that Jordan Burroughs is known to do at big-time tournaments.  Beast Mode is awesome anytime, in any sport, but when you get to see someone like Bilyal Makhov (3x World champ, last year’s runner up at Worlds) go into Beast Mode, you’re know you’re truly watching something special.  Down 3-2 on a controversial call in the 2^nd period, the big man decides it’s time to stop clowning around.

Toughest Wt. Class
74kg and 96kg were, in my humble opinion, the most competitive weight classes at Russian Nationals this year, but if I had to give the nod to one, I’d choose 74; JoeFlo agrees.  74kg contained three former World champions: Tsargush (2009, 2010), Saitiev (1999, 2002, Olympic champ in 2000) & Farniev (2003) as well as a slew of other top-notch athletes.  Anuiar Gedeuv, for example, almost beat Saitiev in the 1/4s –check the Russian riot footage- only to have been beaten again, on the backside of the bracket, in his quest for third.  Add to this the fact that former world champion, Farniev, didn’t even make it that far (the 1/4s I mean), and you can start to fully understand not only the competitive nature of this weight class year in and year out but also the depth that exists at 74kg in general.  Those who win 74kg at Russian Nationals are expected to win World & Olympic titles. 
 

Lebedev Goes Down
Upsets occur at Olympic trials in countries all over the world, but this one easily stands out as the most noteworthy.  Lebedev came into the trials a 2x, defending World champion at 55kg and, for many, was considered (prior to his competing at Russian Nationals) the odds on favorite to win the 2012 Olympic games  –and for good reason.  Lebedev’s performance at last year’s Worlds, for example, was nothing short of spectacular: he gave up only two points in five matches and controlled former world champ, Radoslav Velikov, on his way to his second straight world title. At 2012 Russian Nationals, he seemed to be doing the same as he entered his finals match against long-time rival (and last year’s Trials runner-up),  Djamal Otarsultanov, having not lost a period.   This time, though, it was different.  Otarsultanov got his revenge and managed to knock off the man many consider (or at least considered) to be the finest 55kg wrestler in the world. 




(Madness in the crowd post Tsargush/Saitiev final)
 

The Riot
Nothing suggests passion like a riot.  In Russia, wrestling is more than just a pastime.  Wrestling is culture in Russia, and each wrestler brings with him not only personal dreams of esteem, national pride, and (inevitably) future success but also those of his fans, followers and fellow countrymen.  And in Russia, results matter.  So, when a wrestler wins or loses, especially on a controversial call (and especially at Russian Nationals), fans, followers, etc., take it seriously.  Enough said, check out the video.