#WrestleBudapest

Chekhirkin to Replace Vlasov at European OG Qualifier

Monday, March 15, 2021 - 15:43 By Eric Olanowski

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BUDAPEST, Hungary (March 15) -- Two-time Olympic champion Roman VLASOV (RUS) has been replaced as Russia's 77kg representative at the  European OG Qualifier by Aleksandr CHEKHIRKIN (RUS). 

Coincidentally, the last time Chekhirkin replaced Vlasov as Russia's guy, was also in Budapest. Vlasov tore his knee less than two weeks before the '18 World Championships, and Chekhirkin stepped in and claimed world gold at 77kg. He won six bouts en route to gold and captured wins over world medalists Viktor NEMES (SRB), Elvin MURSALIYEV (AZE), Alex KESSIDIS (SWE) before edging eventual '19 world champion Tamas LORINCZ (HUN), 3-1, in the finals.

If Chekhirkin does qualify this weekend, there hasn't been any indication of who will receive the nod for Russian when the Tokyo Olympics roll around. That will be determined at a later date.

In addition to Russia's Greco-Roman update at 77kg, they also removed Olympic champion Davit CHAKVETADZE (RUS) and inserted Milad ALIRZAEV (RUS) at 87ikg. And at 130kg, they confirmed that '18 world champion Sergei SEMENOV (RUS) will be their man.

For a full list of updated European OG Qualifier entries, please click HERE.

#development

UWW More Than Medals Camp: Fun, wrestling, friendship in Serbia

Friday, July 12, 2024 - 15:35 By United World Wrestling Press

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ZRENJANIN, Serbia (July 12) -- The UWW More Than Medals Europe U17 Training Camp was held in Zrenjanin, Serbia, from June 30 to July 6, with the support of the Serbian Wrestling Federation and the local wrestling club.

This event brought together 45 wrestlers and coaches from nine different countries. The week-long camp, led by Marty HAUCK (USA), was fully funded by United World Wrestling, reflecting its commitment to developing young talent.

The camp aimed to enhance the athletes' technical skills while providing exposure to different coaching styles and training partners. Wrestling was a common ground, helping participants overcome language barriers and fostering new friendships.

An important aspect of the camp was the Anti-Doping education session held on July 2, led by Gorica MILOVANOVIC from the Anti-Doping Agency of Serbia. This session emphasized the importance of fair play and clean sport and provided practical information on Anti-Doping procedures to the young athletes. Additionally, safeguarding sessions by Lei LIANG from UWW Development helped raise awareness and ensure the well-being and safety of the young athletes.

Beyond the intense wrestling training on mats, the camp also offered various recreational activities. The athletes enjoyed the swimming pool, engaging games, and a guided tour of Belgrade, Serbia's vibrant capital city. A brief tennis session added to the fun, providing a welcome break from their regular wrestling routines.

The camp received lots of positive feedback from the participants. Michele RAUHUT, the coach from Germany, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The German team would like to thank you very much for this exceptionally great training camp. Many thanks to Lei for the perfect organization and for your help. Thanks a lot to Marty for the great training. It was perfect.”