Stabler hungry for more success

Away from the spotlight that many of his compatriots enjoy in more glamorous sports, German wrestler Frank Stabler is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his career.

Stabler is the winner of three world titles in three categories, and now a revamp of the weight classes by governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) has forced him to go for a fourth.

UWW has omitted Stabler's preferred weight category from the Olympics, so he was forced to decide between 67kg and 77kg. He bravely choose the lower division, meaning Stabler has been on a mission to shed some kilos with a strict weight-loss plan he calls "Project 67".

"This is maybe the last challenge in my life as a wrestler. I have changed many parts of my life completely to reach my goals," Stabler told Xinhua ahead of the world championships, which start next Saturday in Kazakh capital Astana.

"Reducing weight that much is like going through hell."

Hot chilis, ginger and spicy herbs are mentioned by him as helpful to "keep the engine running". White sugar is a major no-go and "no carbohydrates after 6 pm".

Stabler allowed himself a day off, though, on his 30th birthday in June as he tucked into a big slice of cream cake. Having denied himself such treats for so long, he said he found the taste overwhelming.

But Stabler won't be enticed back for second helpings any time soon as he works toward next year's Tokyo Olympics.

"I desire to prove what is possible, to encourage young kids to follow their dreams and teach the values of sports in general," said Stabler, who added that he now coaches children and is considering it as a future career - possibly even in China.

"Going abroad might be an option, and, yes, why not China as it is a country with great sportsmanship," he said.

Stabler now trains on the family farm near Stuttgart after his hometown club decided to abandon wrestling several years ago. His gym is a refurbished cowshed positioned beside mountains of grain his father has harvested.

"We always hope he can sell as much as possible as this means for us we'll have more space for training," he said with a smile.

As wrestling is a niche sport in Germany, Stabler regularly faces opponents who enjoy enormous funding compared to his own humble financial backing.

"I don't mind some of them being millionaires. I have stopped comparing wrestling in Germany with other countries. I see a challenge in beating the world's best," he said.

Xinhua