Obituary

Russian Olympic Silver Medalist Gennady Strakhov Passes Away Due to COVID-19 Complications

Thursday, February 11, 2021 - 16:10 By United World Wrestling Press

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Gennady STRAKHOV, an Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling for the Soviet Union, passed away due to complications caused by COVID-19. He was 76 years old.

Strakhov reached the finals of the 1972 Olympics in Munich where he faced Ben PETERSON (USA). The match ended in tie, but Peterson was awarded the gold medal based on having more falls than Strakhov. 

Prior to winning an Olympic silver medal, Strakhov claimed a gold medal at the 1970 World Championships, along with European titles in 1969 and 1972. 

The Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) released a statement on Strakhov's passing. 

"The Russian Wrestling Federation, athletes and coaches of national teams in women's and men's freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling sincerely condole with the family and friends of Gennady -- we deeply mourn with you."
 

DPR Korea Organizes 'Women in Wrestling' Tournament on Wrestling Day

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 17:16 By United World Wrestling Press

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DPR KOREA (June 3) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea marked its Wrestling Day celebrations on May 23 by organising a Women's Wrestling tournament.

The tournament, named 'Women in Wrestling' was organised to promote wrestling and to encourage female participation in sports and to promote of social interest for wrestling.

DPR Korea

DPR Korea is one of the most successful countries in Women's Wrestling as it finished second in the team rankings at the 2025 World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

With only seven wrestlers, the DPR Korea returned with five medals including two golds. Two other wrestlers won silver medals while one won bronze. The dominance will once again be on display later this year at the World Championships and the Asian Games.