#ThrowBackThursday

#TBT: Olympic Champion Steveson Wins First World Title

By United World Wrestling Press

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.

#WrestleBelgrade

Losonczi awarded share of 87kg world title

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (November 13) -- The UWW Bureau gathered on November 10, 2023, to review several matters of importance, including the outcome of the final match in GR 87kg of the Senior World Championship in Belgrade. 

In their discussions, the Bureau recognized that a serious refereeing mistake had been committed which changed the outcome of this bout. 

Following a thorough expert analysis, according to the current wrestling rules, a fall performed by David LOSONCZI (HUN) on his opponent and announced by the referee should have been confirmed by the mat chairman as it was actually controlled according to the experts’ review.

Considering that the refereeing mistake was indisputable according to the experts’ analysis, on an exceptional basis, the Bureau agreed that fairness required that a second gold medal be awarded in this category to Losonczi and that he is also declared as 2023 World Champion in Greco-Roman Wrestling (87kg). 

The final ranking in this category will be modified and the corresponding ranking points will be awarded to Losonczi.