Weekly FIVE!

Weekly FIVE! February 26, 2018

By Eric Olanowski

Reviewing Chamizo's recent move to 74kg, the Ukranian Memorial results, the return of Taha Akgul, Thursday's world rankings and the Cuban Women dominating the Cerro Pelado. 

1. Chamizo to 74kg Rumors Proven True
The rumors that 2017 70kg world champion Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) is bumping up to 74kg to try to dethrone four-time world and Olympic champion, Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) have been proven true. For over a month, these two giants have had a highly publicized social media war-of-words going over a possible super match-up.

Chamizo made his 74kg debut at the XXII Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial in Kiev, Ukraine this past weekend where he snagged the gold medal by going 5-0, beating 2011 world silver medalist, Franklin GOMEZ (PUR) in the gold medal bout, 4-0.

After the tournament, Chamzio took to Instagram to post a podium photo titled “The king is back…74kg.”

2. Akgul Captures Gold in Return
Taha Akgul (TUR), the two-time world and Olympic champion returned to competition after suffering a loss to Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) in the finals of the 2017 World Championships

Akgul, who had been training in Columbus, Ohio with the two-time world and Olympic champion, Kyle SNYDER (USA) made the journey down to Havana, Cuba to compete in the Cerro Pelado.

Taha, who departed Cuba with the 125kg gold medal went 3-0 over the two-day competition, outscoring his opponents 32-0, including an 11-0 victory over Ben DURBIN (USA) in the finals.

RESULTS: http://uww.io/LbtgH

3. Azerbaijan leaves Ukraine with Four gold medals
Azerbaijan, on the heels of Olympic bronze medalist Sharif SHARIFOV (AZE) and 2016 world bronze medalist, Akhmednabi Gvarzatilov (AZE) left Kiev, Ukraine with four Ukranian Memorial gold medals.

A pair of Olympians in Andrey KVIATKOVSKI (UKR) and Aleksander KHOTSIANIVSKI (UKR) won golds medals for the host nation, Ukraine.

In the 125kg final bout, Khotsianivski beat reigning world champion, Geno PETRIASHVILI(GEO), 6-0.

Iran, Italy, Poland and the United States each had a solo gold medalist. 

On his way to the 65kg title, 2017 world runner-up Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) knocked off Olympic champion Vladimir KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO), 3-2, and three-time world champion Haji ALIEV (AZE), 5-2.

Up from 70kg, Chamzio gave Italy their lone champion at 70kg by defeating 2011 world silver medalist, Franklin GOMEZ (PUR), 4-0 in the gold medal bout.

The 79kg title went to American, Alex DIERINGER (USA) as he defeated Olympic bronze medalist, Yabrail HASANOV (AZE), 7-4.

At 86kg, Iran’s Kamran GHASEMPOUR beat Dave Schultz Memorial International runner-up, Richard PERRY (USA), 4-1.

RESULTS: http://uww.io/OU0TY

4. Second Set of World Rankings to Be Release Thursday, March, 1
United World Wrestling will be releasing the second set of world rankings on Thursday, March 1.

The rankings will reflect the results from the first women’s ranking event of the season, the Klippan Lady Open and the second Greco-Roman ranking event, the Granma y Cerro Pelado.

The next three rankings events will all take place in June. They are the Tbilisi GP (GEO) (Freestyle), Mongolia Open (MGL) (Women's Wrestling) and the Hungarian GP (HUN) (Greco-Roman).               

FEBRUARY RANKINGS

5. Cuban Women Claim Six Golds Cerro Pelado Golds
Cuban women, led by junior world silver medalist and U23 world bronze medalist, Yudari SANCHEZ (CUB) captured an impressive six out of eight possible gold medals at the Cerro Pelado. There were not participants entered at 65kg or 62kg.

Betzabeth angelica ARGUELLO VILLEGAS (VEN) and Alejandra ROMERO (MEX) were the two wrestlers who captured gold medals that did not hail from Cuba.

RESULTS: http://uww.io/ckjQ6

Weekly FIVE in Social Media

Big Move Monday! 

Fan reactions of Khotsianivski's routing of reigning world champion, Geno Petriashvili. 

Olympic champion, Kevin JACKSON (USA) posts a picture of a young fan with Ukranian Memorial champion, Alex Dieringer and Olympic Bronze medalist, J'den COX (USA). 

Development

United World Wrestling's Commitment: Empowering Athletes and Coaches for the Paris Olympics

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 22) -- In a remarkable demonstration of dedication and support for athletes, United World Wrestling (UWW) has played an important role in helping athletes qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Olympic Solidarity, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and UWW Development, a total of 213 athletes and coaches benefited from the UWW Technical Assistance for the continental qualifiers and participated in acclimatization camps ahead of the continental qualifiers for the Paris Olympics.

In total, over 200,000 CHF has been invested globally in helping athletes qualify for the Games via continental qualifiers. This substantial financial commitment underscores UWW's unwavering dedication to nurturing wrestling talent and fostering elite-level development of the sport worldwide.

Athletes Qualified for the Paris Olympic Games
The result of this concerted effort has been outstanding, with 9 athletes under UWW financial support from 4 different nations successfully qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.

The following athletes have secured their spots at the Paris Olympic Games via the continental qualifiers:

  • Chaimaa Fouzia Aouissi (ALG)
  • Bacar Ndum (GBS)
  • Diamantino Iuna Fafe (GBS)
  • Oussama Assad (MAR)
  • Gaku Akazawa (SAM)
  • Tayla Tuahine Ford (NZL)
  • Genesis Rosangela Reasco Valdez (ECU)
  • Darian Toi Ruz (PUR)
  • Ethan Adrian Ramos (PUR)

In addition, last year, through UWW Technical Assistance provided during the Senior World Championships (1st phase of the Paris OG qualifier), 3 athletes secured their qualification for the Paris Olympic Games. These athletes are:

  • Sebastian C Rivera (PUR)
  • Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL)
  • Tatiana Renteria Renteria (COL)

In total 12 athletes benefited from the UWW financial support qualified spots for the Paris Olympic Games.

Refugee Athletes
With the support of Olympic Solidarity, the following refugee athletes have also qualified and will be part of the Refugee Olympic Team:

  • Iman MAHDAVI
  • Jamal VALIZADEH

Empowering Female Coaches at Elite Level
In addition to the athletes, the Olympic Solidarity and UWW Women in Sport High-Performance (WISH) program has made a significant advancement for gender equality in wrestling.

Three WISH program coaches attended the continental Olympic qualifiers:

  • Marwa Amri (TUN)
  • Carissa Holland (AUS)
  • Happiness Enugu Burutu (NGR)

This initiative marks a significant step forward for the sport of wrestling, contributing to the expansion of elite female coaches participating in high-level international competitions.

Safeguarding Athletes at Olympic Qualifiers
In alignment with IOC recommendations, United World Wrestling (UWW) has taken proactive measures to safeguard athletes participating in championships and Olympic Qualifiers. Dedicated staff members have been stationed at these events to provide vigilant oversight and ensure athletes' safety, protecting them from any form of harassment or abuse.

UWW's steadfast commitment to athlete welfare extends beyond competition success, prioritizing their well-being and creating a secure environment conducive to athletic excellence. By implementing these measures, UWW upholds the principles of fairness, respect, and integrity, fostering a culture where athletes can thrive and pursue their Olympic aspirations, reinforcing the organization's role as a guardian of athlete rights and dignity on the global stage.

United World Wrestling's comprehensive support system, encompassing financial aid, technical assistance, and development programs, has been crucial in helping athletes and coaches achieve their dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. This initiative not only highlights the global reach and impact of UWW but also underscores its commitment to fostering talent and promoting gender equality and inclusion in the sport of wrestling. As the countdown to the Paris Olympic Games continues, the success stories of these athletes and coaches will undoubtedly inspire future generations of wrestlers worldwide.