National sport wrestling – data proves unfair classification at wrestling festivals (Swiss Press Video 2023, by Julian Schmidli / Stefanie Hasler / Samuel Hufschmid) - Swiss Press Award
SRF Impact Investigativ
Julian Schmidli / Stefanie Hasler / Samuel Hufschmid
SRF Investigativ is investigating a rumor in the sport of wrestling: that the division of wrestlers, i.e., who has to fight against whom, is unfair. Specifically, the allegation is that at wrestling festivals, members of the organizing association, i.e., the locals, are favored over external wrestlers. This is because the jury that makes the divisions is not balanced. A circumstance that even prompted a former wrestling champion to propose a change to the system. Using an algorithm from the gaming world, the level of wrestlers in 40,000 past fights is evaluated. The statistical analysis shows that a home advantage does indeed exist: Especially towards the final round, the visiting wrestlers tended to be assigned stronger opponents. The representative of the Swiss Wrestling Federation is not impressed by the research: The divisions are fair, and the recurring discussions are simply part of the process.
Interview with Julian Schmidli / Stefanie Hasler / Samuel Hufschmid
