#Rome2018

Russia Reels in Eleventh Junior Euro Gold Medal

By Eric Olanowski

ROME, Italy (August 4) - After running through the Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling competition, Russia’s dominance trickled over to freestyle as they were able to capture two additional gold medals on the sixth day of competition at the Junior European Championships. 

Thus far, eleven Russian wrestlers have enjoyed hearing their national anthem begin played while standing atop of the podium, and will have three more opportunities to hear it being played on the final day of wrestling in Rome, Italy. 

The duo of Aznaur TAVAEV (RUS) and Chermen VALIEV (RUS) each seized gold medals, helping Russia command the team lead heading into the seventh day of competition. 

In the 65kg finals, Aznaur Tavaev walloped 2014 cadet world bronze medalist, Nicolai GRAHMEZ (MDA), picking up the 15-4 technical superiority victory to pocket his first continental championship. 

Tavaev trailed early after surrendering a takedown and an exposure but was able to erase the four-point deficit, taking the 4-4 lead on criteria into the second period by picking up a takedown and exposure of his own. 

The Russian exploded in the second period, scoring four-points off a defensive chest-wrap, followed by a failed Moldova challenge to take the imposing 9-4 advantage into the final minute of the match. 

After another defensive scoring sequence, Tavaev closed the match out with a snap-down spin-behind to a trapped-arm gut-wrench, ultimately winning 15-4. 

Chermen VALIEV (RUS) give Russia their eleventh Junior European gold medal. (Photo Max Rose-Fyne) 

Chermen Valiev used a pair of second-period takedowns to narrowly escape Khadzhimurad GADZHIYEV (AZE), 5-3 in the 70kg gold-medal bout. 

In the opening period, Valiev, the 2014 Cadet World team representative picked up a step-out point before conceding a takedown and a step-out to fall behind 3-1. 

Valiev rebounded in the final period and snatched the two-point lead with a pair of takedowns. The 2017 Ivan Yarygin runner-up narrowly held on to present Russia their second gold medal of the day and eleventh overall. 

Three other Russians will have the opportunity to compete for gold tomorrow, as the competition wraps up with the final freestyle medal match session starting at 6:00 PM (local time). 

RESULTS 

#development, #Anti-Doping

UWW, ITA deliver anti-doping education at World Championships camp

By United World Wrestling Press

POREC, Croatia (September 11) -- The United World Wrestling recently hosted a successful on-site Anti-Doping education event in collaboration with the International Testing Agency at the World Championships acclimatization camp in Poreč.

This marked the first time UWW partnered with ITA to deliver education directly at a training camp. A dedicated booth was set up on September 8 and 9 during the camp, and presentation sessions, led by ITA educator Anita HARTUNG, were held during the evenings of both days.

"The camp offered a great opportunity to connect with athletes ahead of their major competition," Hartung said. "Many stopped by the Clean Sport booth before and after training, showing genuine interest and openness in discussing the fundamentals of Anti-Doping.

"It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a motivated athlete community and support them in their sporting journey."

The sessions provided athletes with in-depth knowledge about Anti-Doping rules, safe supplement use, and ethical sporting practices.

Two dedicated presentation sessions explored key topics, including athletes’ rights and responsibilities, how to check medications, Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and the risks associated with supplement use.

Holding the sessions during the acclimatization period, rather than the competition phase, allowed athletes to engage in a more relaxed environment and fully focus on learning.

CRO

"These are some of the best wrestlers in the world, and thanks to the collaboration with ITA, they are better informed,” Carlos ROY, UWW Secretary General, said. "Education on Anti-Doping protects our sport, promotes fair competition, and ensures our athletes can perform at their best with confidence."

The initiative reflects UWW’s ongoing commitment to clean sport and athlete support. By equipping wrestlers with knowledge and tools to make informed choices, UWW and ITA aim to strengthen integrity in wrestling while fostering a culture of safe and fair competition.

The Anti-Doping education sessions are part of a broader effort by UWW to provide athletes with continuous learning opportunities on the importance of competing clean, complementing existing regulations and testing programs.

With the World Championships on the horizon, these activities ensure that athletes are not only physically and technically prepared but also well-informed about Anti-Doping practices, reinforcing the values of integrity, fairness, and excellence in wrestling.