Obituary

Hall of Fame Greco-Roman Wrestler Andersson Passes Away

By United World Wrestling Press

Hall of Fame Greco-Roman wrestler Frank Andersson of Sweden, a 1984 Olympic bronze medalist and three-time world champion, passed away on Sunday after complications from heart surgery. He was 62.

Andersson was born in Trollhatten, Sweden, in May 1956. He competed mostly in Greco-Roman, but also had success in freestyle. Andersson represented Sweden at three Olympic Games, competing at 90kg. At the Montreal Games in 1976, he placed fifth in Greco, and seventh in the freestyle competition. In 1980, Andersson placed fourth in Greco at the Moscow Games. In his final Olympic competition, Andersson eared a bronze medal in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games. 

In addition to his Olympic medals, Andersson won five world medals, including world gold medals in 1977, 1979 and 1982. He was a world silver medalist in 1978 and 1981. He was also very successful at the European Championships, claiming gold medals in 1976, 1978, 1979, and 1981, and silver medals in 1977, 1980, and 1982.

Following his amateur wrestling career, Andersson embarked on a professional wrestling career, then starred in several TV shows. 

In 2006, Andersson was welcomed into the World Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame.
 

Wrestling Playlist: Rio 2016 Olympics Freestyle Rewind

By United World Wrestling Press

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (January 26) -- A decade since the Rio 2016 Olympics, UWW brings you the epic throwback to the finals of Freestyle. Six gold medals were won in the Brazilian city 10 years ago.

At 57kg, Vladimir KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO) defeated Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) in a close final while Soslan RAMANOV (RUS) dominated his final against Togrul ASGAROV (AZE) at 65kg.

Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) won the epic final at 74kg against Aniuar GEDUEV (RUS) by one point. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) won his first Olympic gold in 2016 by beating Selim YASAR (TUR) at 86kg.

Kyle SNYDER (USA) became the youngest American wrestler then to win an Olympic gold as he defeated Khetag GOZIUMOV (AZE) in the 97kg final. At 125kg, Taha AKGUL (TUR) held on for a win against Khomel GHASEMI (IRI).

WATCH THE FULL FINAL MATCHES OF 2016 RIO OLYMPICS HERE