#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.

#wrestlebishkek

UWW Asia Council Hosts Successful General Assembly in Bishkek

By United World Wrestling Press

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 12) -- The United World Wrestling Asia Council General Assembly was successfully held in Bishkek last week.

UWW President Nenad LALOVIC attended the General Assembly and he highlighted the global development of wrestling, with a special focus on Asia.

UWW Asia Council President Mohammad AL-AWAMLEH also expressed similar views and said that wrestling will be taken to all regions of Asia with focus on South-East and South Asia.

During the Assembly, Al-Awamleh presented the 2025 Annual Report, the 2025 Financial Report, and the 2026 Budget, and shared the Council's vision through UWW Asia Media and Marketing Strategy.

In addition to a few new appointment and official presentation, UWW Asia also recognized wrestling excellence through awards for the Best Coach, Best Wrestlers across all styles, and the Best National Federation for 2025.