'Great move, but in my opinion, disrespectful': Wrestler Makynlee Cova slammed for posing during match

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Dec 6, 2024, 21:08 IST

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California state champion wrestler Makynlee Cova's viral video sparked controversy. During a match, she executed a leg cradle choke, smirked at the camera, and casually held her face. Fans debated whether the pose was confident or unsportsmanlike, raising questions about showmanship versus respect in wrestling. Cova's impressive 47-20 record adds to the discussion surrounding her polarizing move.

'Great move, but in my opinion, disrespectful': Wrestler Makynlee Cova slammed for posing during match

Makynlee Cova (Photo Credit: X)

NEW DELHI: California state champion wrestler Makynlee Cova has ignited a fierce debate online after sharing a striking moment from one of her matches.
In a now-viral Instagram video with over 380,000 likes, Cova is seen executing a leg cradle choke on her opponent.
While in control, she locks eyes with the camera, smirks, and casually holds her face with one hand, creating a moment equal parts audacious and entertaining.
Fans are split on whether her pose was a display of confidence or a breach of sportsmanship.

"This is awesome! Total control effortlessly! How do I become a fan?" one admirer commented. Others echoed the sentiment, calling the moment "tough" and worthy of being framed. However, not everyone was impressed.

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A post shared by Makynlee Cova (@makynleecova)

Critics argued the move lacked respect for her opponent, with one commenting, "Great move, but in my opinion, disrespectful." Another added, "Etiquette matters. Respect your opponent, be humble in victory, and gracious in defeat."

Makynlee Cova, who boasts an impressive wrestling record of 47-20, including 33 pins, is no stranger to success. Last June, she clinched the under-14 California State Freestyle Championship. Most recently, she secured first place in the SAWA Sierra Kids Halloween Madness competition, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the wrestling community.
Her pose has sparked discussions beyond the mat, raising questions about the balance between showmanship and sportsmanship in competitive sports.
Some recall similar experiences, like one commenter who shared, "I got in trouble for unsportsmanlike conduct just for grinning during takedowns. My coach made me apologize, and I realized he was right."
For now, Makynlee Cova remains a polarizing figure in wrestling circles. Whether her viral pose is celebrated as a display of dominance or criticized as unsporting, it’s clear she has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. As her career unfolds, she may continue to challenge the boundaries of tradition in her sport.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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