#ThrowBackThursday

#TBT: Olympic Champion Steveson Wins First World Title

Thursday, January 13, 2022 - 12:58 By United World Wrestling Press

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Gable STEVESON (USA) became an overnight sensation after winning a thrilling final and the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics with wins over former world champions Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) and Taha AKGUL (TUR). The American was trailing Petriashvili in the 125kg final in Tokyo but scored two takedowns in the final 10 seconds to win the coveted Olympic title at the age of 21.

But a three-time age-group world champion has a habit of punching about his weight. In 2015, a 15-year-old Steveson made a stunning run at the Cadet World Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and won the gold medal with a 9-0 victory over Khasanboy RAKHIMOV (UZB). He outscored his opponents 47-12.

Since then he won the 2016 cadet world title, 2017 junior world title, 2021 senior Pan-Am Championships gold and the Tokyo Olympics gold with just the 2018 Junior World Championships being a lackluster event for him. The defending champion there finished fifth as Rakhimov avenged his loss from 2015 with a pin.

Seven wrestlers perish as devastating earthquakes hit Kahramanmaraş, Turkiye

Monday, February 6, 2023 - 15:37 By United World Wrestling Press

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COSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 6) --- Multiple earthquakes hit the Kahramanmaraş province in southwest Turkiye, causing major loss. The reported earthquakes measured a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.8 and have also impacted the surrounding country of Syria.

Sports in Turkiye has been suspended and efforts are ongoing to recover those who have been impacted by the natural disaster.

The earthquakes have affected wrestlers who were participating in an international wrestling tournament in the province. The most recent reports have indicated that teams of France, Kosovo, and Uzbekistan have been transported out of impacted areas to safety. However, seven Turkish wrestlers have died, with many still unaccounted for as a consequence of the earthquakes.

“It is devastating to hear that the earthquakes have taken the lives of so many, and we are deeply saddened that seven brave wrestlers are among the many victims. I pray for the families and the Wrestling family sends our strength and support to the people of Turkiye and Syria during these trying times,” Nenad LALOVIC, United World Wrestling President, said.

UWW and Turkish Wrestling Federation are constantly assessing the developing situation.