Staudenmann slowed down by Central Swiss: the Joels form the ISAF among themselves

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The Central Swiss lived up to their reputation as obsessed fans at the Central Swiss Wrestling Festival. When the swing started at 7:30 am, virtually all seats were occupied and the crowd was vociferously supporting their “locals”. Pirmin Reichmuth (27) pitted it against the Bernese dominator Fabian Staudenmann (23), the spectators almost celebrated as if the Central Swiss had won. Because despite 17 Confederates registered, many would have bet their money on Joel Wicki’s (26) final pairing against Staudenmann at the start of the festival.

But to the delight of the Dagmerseller audience, only 50 percent of this prediction came true. There was no escaping Wicki. But the central Swiss acted as a conniving community, bringing Staudenmann to a neat 10 more than once. Although the Bernese never sat on his back in ISAF, the final walk remained out of reach for him. Hergiswiler Joel Ambühl (25) took this place instead. But Ambuhl had no trick against the king. After more than two minutes, defending champion Wicki celebrated the third ISAF victory of his career.

Double the fun with the coach

Joel Ambuhl and Joel Wicki. The two share more than just a first name. Both come from the canton of Lucerne, both are professionally enthusiastic about construction equipment, both train in the same fitness center in Willisau. And coach Dani Hüsler also shares them. “I was actually able to watch this final relatively relaxed,” said the coach of the two afterwards. “I just told them to take care of each other and fight well.” As a coach, Hüsler could only win in this case.

Things looked different for Wiggertaler Ambühl. His last victory at a wreath festival was exactly two years ago, in 2021 he won at Central Switzerland in Ibach. He had not expected that he would be in the final round against his training partner and friend Joel Wicki at the ISAF on Sunday. “Trained together yesterday and had a drink together in the evening. It wasn’t even a problem then.”

Friends become enemies

So what was going through the minds of the two Joels when the final course became clear today? “We clearly became competitors for a short time,” says Ambühl. “Before we became friends again.” Both were able to follow the advice of coach Hüsler. “In such a case, Dani remains absolutely neutral and is happy to treat both of us.”

Because it’s not easy as a trainer to push your athletes in such a situation, the two Joels did it themselves at this wrestling fest. And see what’s going on. “I can take advantage of Joel a lot, and he could take advantage of me a little bit too,” says Ambuhl.

King Wicki agrees. “Joel has great swings. Last week he put me on my back during practice. I was not paying attention. That irritated me enormously,’ he says after the festival victory. His friend showed him that he was attentive at all times. The king of ISAF masterfully put into practice the lessons from this lesson.

Source : Blick