Award Season

2017 Men's Freestyle Matches of the Year

Friday, December 29, 2017 - 15:13 By Eric Olanowski

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The top three freestyle matches of 2017 include four Olympic champions who have acquired a combined eight world championships.

97kg World Championship GOLD:  Kyle Frederick SNYDER (USA) v. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS)
The 97kg world final was arguably the most anticipated match-up of all time. The stage was set for two-time world champion and Olympic champion Kyle SNYDER (USA) to take on two-time world champion and Olympic champion Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS). In addition to the individual title, the winner of the 97kg final determined the team race, as the USA and Russia were tied with 53 points. apiece.

Snyder’s takedown with 25 seconds left sealed the 97kg title, also clinching the United States’ first team title since 1995.

125kg World Championship GOLD:  Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) v. Taha AKGUL (TUR)
In the 125kg world finals, Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) fell behind 4-0 to two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Taha AKGUL (TUR). Petriashvili went on to score eight unanswered points and took an 8-4 lead. Akgul regained the lead on criteria by putting together a stretch of four points. Petriashvili’s takedown with 25 seconds left gave him the 10-8 victory and his first world title.

61kg European Championship GOLD: Vladimer KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO) v. Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS)
After two scoreless minutes, it was Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS) who struck first, picking up a monstrous five-point throw. 2016 Olympic champion Vladimer KHINCHEGASHVILI’s (GEO) takedown and gut gave him the first lead of the match. Each wrestler would tack on an additional takedown, ending the match 10-9 in favor of Khinchegashvili.                                                         

#development

Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme wraps up in Guatemala

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 12:57 By United World Wrestling Press

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GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (June 12)---The 2024 UWW Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme (REDP) recently concluded in Guatemala City, marking another milestone in the annual celebration of wrestling excellence.

From May 30 to June 6, the "Center for High-Performance and Development of America" (CARDA) in Guatemala City buzzed with energy as athletes, coaches, and referees gathered for an intensive training camp and educational courses. Under the expert guidance of Iranian coach Reza AZIMI, participants from Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States they have honed their skills on four specially prepared mats.

Parallel courses for coaches and referees were a key highlight, underscoring the event's commitment to professional development. The training camp and coaches' course were led by Professor Reza AZIMI, alongside Venezuelan Héctor CAMACHO, while the referees' course was conducted by Puerto Rican international IS category referee Abraham GALVA. These sessions provided comprehensive learning and growth opportunities for all attendees.

GUAAbraham GALVA (PUR) walks referees through their pre-competition meeting at the Pat Shaw Memorial. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The week was characterized by an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration, culminating in the Technical Congress on June 6. Esteemed attendees included UWWA President Francisco Eduardo LEE LÓPEZ, UWW Development Officer Yuri MAIER, the Executive Committee of the Guatemalan Wrestling Federation, and delegates and coaches from 20 nations.

The climax of the event, the XXXIII "PAT SHAW" Cup, unfolded on June 7th and 8th. With 333 athletes, 44 coaches, 16 delegates, and 25 referees participating, the tournament featured 526 thrilling matches.

This year's tournament was a testament to dedication and passion, with every athlete striving for excellence and glory. The event met all UWW requirements for official competitions, encompassing technological, medical, and sporting standards.

As we bask in the success of the 2024 UWW Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme (REDP), we eagerly look forward to the next edition, filled with anticipation and confidence that it will further the growth and promotion of wrestling in our region.

United World Wrestling strongly believes that this is the way forward for the development of our sport through programs such as this that bring together athletes, referees, and coaches in an environment that is enriching from an educational and competitive experience, allowing many new participants access to an international event.