Sumo's next superstars? Why Mongolia is a wrestling powerhouse

Photos:
Sumo wrestlers stretch during a training camp on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in July. Photographer Taylor Weidman shadowed young wrestlers before the World Sumo Championships, where they hoped to make a name for themselves and find a future with a sumo stable.
Hide Caption
1 of 11

Photos:
Wrestlers hang out in their dorm after a practice session in Mongolia. Japan has traditionally dominated the sport, and it's only in the past decade that Mongolia has emerged as such a dominant force. The past four "yokozuna," sumo wrestling's highest rank, have all been from Mongolia.
Hide Caption
2 of 11

Photos:
A wrestler cools down a teammate during training.
Hide Caption
3 of 11

Photos:
Wrestlers practice in their bare feet.
Hide Caption
4 of 11

Photos:
Size is important in sumo wrestling, but agility, speed and technique are all important as well.
Hide Caption
5 of 11
