Fresh off earning a spot on his sixth U.S. World Team with a victory over Ridge Lovett at Final X, Zain Retherford returns to Baschamania for one of his most candid conversations yet. Zain opens up about the concussion and head issues that impacted his Olympic cycle, what motivated him to make another run at the world level, and how opportunities like Real American Freestyle helped fuel his return. We also discuss his plans for LA 2028, whether 65kg or 74kg is in his future, the incredible depth inside the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, balancing business ownership with training and coaching, and why he believes Levi Haines may be the best hand-fighter in the world. Plus, Zain answers fan questions and shares his expectations heading into the World Championships.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Zain Train Back on the Podcast!
0:46 - Competing at the World Team Trials
03:50 - LA 2028
04:40 - The Head/Concussion Issues from the Olympics
06:00 - The Role of the Leagues in His Return
07:30 - Zain’s Business In State College, PA
08:30 - Returning at the World Team Trials
10:30 - Levi Haines is the Best Hand Fighter in the World
11:00 - Toughest Part of Wrestling Ridge Lovett
13:00 - Making a 6th World Team & Expectations
16:30 - Competing with RAF
21:30 - 2028 Weight Plans - 65kg or 74kg?
23:15 - NLWC Depth & Penn State Depth
29:00 - Balancing Building a Business & Training/Coaching
31:25 - Fan Questions
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