Award Season

Acosta, Adekuoroye and Amri Named 2017 History Makers

By Eric Olanowski

Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR), Marwa AMRI (TUN) and Yasmani ACOSTA (CHI) have been named United World Wrestling’s History Makers for 2017.

Earlier this year Marwa Amri and Odunayo Adekuoroye became the first women from Africa to reach the gold medal bout of a senior world championship.

Amri, the Olympic bronze medalist, was the first woman from Africa to reach the world finals by besting two-time Asia champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) 8-7 in the semifinals. Amri would finish the day with the silver medal at 58kg after being defeated by 2016 Olympic champion Helen MAROULIS (USA) in the finals.

In the 55kg semifinals, it was 2015 world bronze medalist Adekuoroye who picked up the technical superiority victory over Irina KURACHKINA (BLR), becoming the second African woman to reach the gold medal finals. Like Amri, Adekuoroye would also bring home the silver medal after dropping her finals match.

It was Yasmani Acosta, formerly of Cuba, who came to Paris with hopes of giving Chile their first-ever world medal in wrestling. Prior to the 2017 World Championships, Chile had never medaled in any style at any age level.

Acosta won three matches before falling to Heiki NABI (EST) in the semifinals. He grabbed Chile’s first ever world medal with a victory over Mykola KUCHMI (UKR) in the bronze medal bout.

#development

Italy Organizes UWW Level 3 Technical Course for Coaches

By United World Wrestling Press

CESEBATICO, Italy (February 9) -- A United World Wrestling Level 3 Technical Course for coaches was successfully organized in Cesenatico, Italy from January 5 to 9, 2026. The course was organized in collaboration with UWW and the FIJLKAM.

Organised after a international tournament, the course brought together 33 coaches from Italy and other countries, including Germany, Poland, Croatia and Ivory Coast creating a rich environment for technical exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

This tournament provided an important practical framework for the educational programme, allowing coaches to observe real competition situations, analyze match management and technical-tactical aspects, and directly link theoretical learning to high-level competitive practice.

The programme was led by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA, with practical sessions conducted by Olympic Champion and UWW expert Komeil GHASEMI. The course followed the new UWW education pathway, focusing on advanced coaching competencies for high-performance environments.

Italy

The key topics in the course included coaching philosophy and leadership, advanced planning and periodization, pedagogical situations and match analysis, technical and tactical development, safeguarding, anti-doping and athlete protection and introduction to Beach Wrestling.

Both theoretical and practical evaluations were conducted, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real coaching situations. At the conclusion of the course, all successful participants were awarded the UWW Level 3 Coaching Certificate.

"I want to thank everyone for this course, for what you did, and for how we got along together," Carmelo RICCARDO, a coach and participant said. "It was a wonderful experience and very interesting course. Thanks to the UWW and FIJLKAM for these important opportunities for growth."

The Italian Wrestling Federation provided high-quality facilities, with classrooms and training venues meeting international standards. All activities were centralized at Villaggio Accademia Cesenatico, ensuring optimal logistical conditions for both learning and training.

The course benefited from the continuous presence of national federation representatives, including the Technical and Sports Directors, as well as the participation of FIJLKAM leadership during the closing ceremony—demonstrating strong institutional commitment to coach education.

After the course, it achieved its educational and development objectives. The combination of high-level technical content, structured evaluations, international expertise, and strong human values.

The course not only strengthened the competencies of participating coaches but also reinforced Italy’s role as a key hub for wrestling education and excellence in Europe, contributing sustainably to the long-term development of the sport.

Sustainability

From a sustainability perspective, the use of the covered stadium contributed to the efficient organization of Beach Wrestling activities by optimizing existing infrastructure. By adapting a multi-purpose covered venue for Beach Wrestling sessions, the organizers limited the need for additional temporary installations, reduced logistical and environmental impact, and ensured continuity of activities regardless of weather conditions.

This approach reflects UWW’s commitment to sustainable event organization through the рационal use of facilities and long-term infrastructure legacy.