This study aimed to investigate the validity of the Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT), correlating it with generic anaerobic tests in elite youth wrestlers and determining whether wrestlers differ according to quality and weight categories in all tests. The research included 23 advanced-level Greco-Roman wrestlers (aged 16-19 years) who were divided into two quality categories (National team members and Non-team members) and two weight categories (lighter and heavier). Variables included anthropometric characteristics, generic fitness tests, and SWFT. Results evidenced that only vertical jump height was associated with SWFT (Pearson’s R=0.48, p<0.05). Team members had higher results in the vertical jump height (p=0.02, moderate ES), while wrestlers from the heavier category had higher body mass (p=0.001, large ES) and body height (p=0.01, large ES) than lighter wrestlers. Moreover, wrestlers did not differ in the SWFT according to quality and weight categories. SWFT was not associated with generic fitness tests, possibly because of its high specificity. Furthermore, team members and non-team members did not differ in the SWFT, which could be explained by the fact that only advanced-level wrestlers were included in this study. Thus, future studies should include lower-quality wrestlers and different testing protocols.

Athletes have to possess high motivation levels to perform each training session and competition at the highest level. Thus, the motivation of the wrestler is essential to reach the highest performance quality. The research included 47 Greco-Roman wrestlers aged 17.71 ± 1.62 years. Variables included anthropometric indices, sports motivation assessed by the revised Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II), and competitive success (medal winners and non-winners at the National Championship). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients checked the internal consistency of the SMS-II. Differences between performance quality were determined by Cohen’s d effect sizes, and MANOVA for motivation and anthropometric variables/body build variables. In the total sample, wrestlers had high levels of intrinsic motivation (5.97 ± 0.90), integrated (5.99 ± 0.83), and identified (6.08 ± 0.82) regulation, while they had low amotivation (2.53 ± 0.98) and external regulation (3.26 ± 1.24). Successful wrestlers had significantly higher intrinsic motivation than less successful wrestlers (Cohen’s d = 0.76, moderate effect size). Results evidenced that wrestlers have high self-determined motivation, which is vital for maximal performance and persisting in sports. Future research should investigate wrestlers from other age groups to ultimately determine the sport motivation profile of wrestlers and enable their optimal sports development.