Japanese wrestler Risako Kawai claimed victory in wrestling during a gold medal match at the Rio Olympics, but she wasn’t done slamming people just yet.
Kawai celebrated the victory in dramatic fashion. After pulling off the win, her coach went over to give her a congratulatory hug. Kawai responds by lifting her coach off the ground and slamming him against the mat, John Cena-style. The crowd in Rio went nuts and Kawai doesn’t stop. As soon as her coach got up, she slams him once more.
After it’s all over the two embrace each other for a hug and Kawai puts him atop her shoulders with the Japanese flag and the duo run across the gym floor waving it proudly. It’s incredible.
https://twitter.com/aworkinglibrary/status/766623787769073665
It’s an awesome moment showing the bond between an athlete and her coach. There’s genuine love in those slams. Kawai isn’t upset with her coach and intentionally trying to hurt him, but instead is doing a rehearsed victory pose. The NFL wouldn’t allow it, but the Olympics are more relaxed on celebrations. She won a gold medal for Pete’s sake, she should enjoy the moment.
The Olympics have been an up-and-down affair publicly. Between Ryan Lochte’s lie and the multiple acts of robberies and violence, Rio 2016 seems disastrous at times. But let’s remember moments like Kawai’s victory celebration. It shows what the Olympic spirit truly is about. More of this stuff please.
