Michael Ledermann
Swiss wrestling (‘Schwingen’) takes strength, stamina and respect. For Swiss native Michael Ledermann, there is absolutely nothing better than getting to follow his sporting passion amid the sawdust. This trained farmer has been an aficionado of this sport since 2008, when his uncle took him along to his first training session at Schwarzenburg Swiss wrestling club. He has not lost any of his enthusiasm, and has since chalked up more than 25 crowns (known as a ‘Kranz’) – with more sure to come.
Shortfacts
Playerscard
- Year of birth2000
- Weight115 kg
- Height1.93 m
- ProfessionTrained farmer, training as an agricultural technician
- Star signLibra
- Favourite foodKrautspätzle
- MottoHe who dares can lose, but he who dares nothing has already lost.
My sport is about more than just technique and fighting spirit – I also have to be able to rely on my eyes. Thank you to HYLO® for giving me such active support.
– Michael Ledermann
MEDIA LIBRARY Michael Ledermann
Michael Ledermann FAQs
‘Schwingen’ (Swiss wrestling) is Switzerland’s national sport, and is traditionally held on a surface covered with sawdust. As a type of wrestling, the sport takes the form of single combat. As well as its own holds and techniques, it also has its own set of rules. Swiss wrestlers compete at wrestling festivals of various sizes, and every three years at the ‘Königsfest’ to crown the national champion. This form of wrestling is particularly popular in German-speaking Switzerland.
A round is a single Swiss wrestling fight. Six rounds are fought, each lasting six to eight minutes. The final round is 12 to 16 minutes long.
To become a national champion (‘Eidgenosse’), you must win a crown at the national wrestling festival held every three years. Once you have won this crown, you become an ‘Eidgenosse’ and never lose the title.
Michael began Swiss wrestling at the age of eight.
As well as training, Michael Ledermann ensures that the day before a competition is busy, meaning that he is tired when he goes to bed and will begin the competition day fully energised.
Michael speaks German, English and French.
Swiss wrestling uses various techniques to overcome opponents. The most important are called ‘Gammen’, ‘Kurzzug’, ‘Übersprung’, ‘Buur’ and ‘Wyberhaagge’. There are around 30 to 35 different techniques in total.
Traditional wrestling festivals hold six rounds. The first round is called ‘Anschwingen’, where the strongest wrestlers compete against each other. After five rounds, the two best wrestlers compete in the sixth and final round. At national festivals and the Königsfest (held every three years), eight rounds are used, split into four on Saturday and four on Sunday.
15 to 18 percent of wrestlers competing in a competition win a crown.
Training varies: a week is split into around three wrestling training sessions at various locations with different opponents, and four strength and athletic training sessions.
Michael’s favourite move is ‘äußere Haken’. This involves reaching over his opponent’s back with his right hand to grab their belt, whilst holding their upper arm with his left hand. His right foot is positioned behind his opponent’s right leg and twists to the left.