Russian Wrestler Pulls Off Infamous 'Flying Squirrel' To Snatch Dramatic Win | WATCH

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 17:06 IST

Russia's Islamgereev's "Flying Squirrel" move helped him defeat France’s Magamadov at the U23 European Championships in Serbia -- turning a 3-point deficit into a 10-8 win.

Russian wrestler Bozigit Islamgereev quite literally took the high road to victory at the U23 European Championships in Serbia.

And it paid off spectacularly.

Trailing France’s Rakhim Magamadov on points and staring at defeat, Islamgereev pulled off one of wrestling’s most audacious moves — the infamous “Flying Squirrel" — in a daring mid-match gamble.

Islamgereev somersaulted over his opponent, immediately locking in an inverted body grip as he landed on the other side. Using the momentum from the flip, he twisted sharply and threw Magamadov onto his back and shoulders.

The dramatic reversal earned Islamgereev the crucial points he needed.

When the dust settled, the scoreboard read 10–8 in his favour, sealing a remarkable comeback victory and sending him through to the next round.

The Origins Of Wrestling’s ‘Flying Squirrel’

While Islamgereev’s version grabbed headlines in Serbia, the move itself has a fascinating history.

The “Flying Squirrel" was popularised by U.S. Olympian Ellis Coleman, a Greco-Roman wrestler who developed the technique during practice sessions with his older brother.

The move involves somersaulting over an opponent’s back before grabbing them mid-motion to secure a takedown — a manoeuvre that demands both timing and fearless commitment.

Coleman’s version went viral after the 2011 Junior World Championships, instantly turning him into a fan favourite.

In a 2012 interview with ESPN, Coleman explained that he often used the move only when he was trailing in a match.

He compared the technique to a “monkey on his back," admitting it always carried a degree of risk.

Coleman said years of frustration and defeats during his high school wrestling days pushed him to become more aggressive, eventually inspiring the daring move.

“I love the nickname, I love the hype, and I love the fact that it got popular like that," Coleman told CBS in 2012.

More than a decade later, the move continues to produce viral moments, just as Islamgereev proved in Serbia.

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