Obituary

UWW Hall of Famer, Two-Time Olympic Champ Andiyev Passes Away

Tuesday, November 27, 2018 - 18:08 By United World Wrestling Press

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United World Wrestling Hall of Famer Soslan ANDIYEV, a two-time Olympic champion, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, in a hospital in Moscow. He was 66. 

Andiyev was born on April 21, 1952, in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia. He graduated from Gorsky State University, majoring in economics. 

He helped the Soviets win a World Cup title in 1973 by defeating Olympic medalist Chris Taylor of the United States in the final match. That same year Andiyev earned a spot on the Soviet Union's freestyle wrestling team. He went on to claim seven titles at the Soviet Championships (1973-78, 1980), four world championships (1973, 1975, 1977-78) along with a silver at the 1974 World Championships, and three European Championships (1974-75, 1982).

Andiyev won gold medals at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics competing in the superheavyweight division. He did not compete at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games because of the Soviets' boycott. 

Between 1985 and 1989 he worked as a national wrestling coach. Andiyev later became a Minister of Sports of North Ossetia before serving as Vice President of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the ROC.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 24, in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia. 
 

#development

U17 Pan-Ams More Than Medals Camp Sees Highest-Ever Participation

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 09:37 By United World Wrestling Press

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PANAMA CITY, Panama (April 14) -- United World Wrestling’s More Than Medals program reached a new milestone as its 10th edition in Panama recorded its highest participation to date, bringing together 120 athletes from 17 countries across the Americas.

Held from April 6 to 11 in Panama City, the six-day camp reflected the steady growth of the program, both in scale and impact, reinforcing its role as one of UWW’s leading development initiatives in the region.

Since its inception, More Than Medals has been designed to go beyond competition, and the 2026 edition continued that vision by combining high-performance training with education and cultural exchange. The record participation in this milestone edition highlighted the increasing relevance of the program.

On the mat, athletes trained under the guidance of experienced regional coaches, focusing on technical execution, tactical awareness and physical conditioning. Sessions were structured to accommodate different levels, ensuring a productive environment for both emerging and advanced wrestlers.

Off the mat, the educational component remained central to the program. Workshops on anti-doping and sports psychology provided athletes with essential tools to manage performance, decision-making and well-being in high-level environments.

The program also emphasized connection and exchange among participants. Cultural activities, including visits to local natural sites and the Panama Canal, offered opportunities for athletes to interact outside of training, strengthening relationships across national boundaries.