#WrestleOslo

#WrestleOslo Day Three Preview: FS 70kg, 97kg; WW 55kg, 62kg

Monday, September 20, 2021 - 12:25 By Ken Marantz

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 20) -- After winning a second Olympic gold medal last month in Japan, the Russian Wrestling Federation's superstar Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) was asked by local media about making a possible move to Mixed Martial Arts for a lucractive test of his talents.

Scoffing at making a switch to rough-and-tumble MMA, he told Sport Yakutia, "I don't even have such thoughts. I still need a head."

Sadulaev has been head and shoulders above the competition in the sufficiently demanding and more graceful sport of wrestling since striking Olympic gold for the first time at age 20 at the 2016 Rio Games -- save for one lapse in 2017, for which he more than made amends.

The wrestler dubbed "The Russian Tank" will be aiming for a fifth straight world title as the favorite when the freestyle 97kg class gets underway in Oslo on Oct. 4, with another high-profile clash with rival Kyle SNYDER (USA) potentially in the cards.

In other weight classes, Olympic silver medalist Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) will launch an attempt to repeat her historic triumph from the 2019 worlds at women's 62kg, while the non-Olympic divisions of freestyle 70kg and women's 55kg also get underway.

The titanic clashes between Sadulaev and Snyder have been dubbed "Snyderlaev," and the third edition that played out on the Makuhari Messe mat at the Tokyo Olympics saw the Russian -- representing the Russian Wrestling Federation -- come away with a 6-3 victory and the gold.

The two, born just six months apart, followed up world titles in 2015 with Olympic golds at Rio 2016 at different weight classes. But Sadulaev then moved up from 86kg to 97kg to create the rivalry for the ages.

In their first meeting, in the final at the 2017 World Championships in Paris, Snyder won a 6-5 thriller. But Sadulaev got his revenge the following year in Budapest, winning the world gold with an unorthodox fall.

A potential third meeting at the 2019 World Championships in Nur-Sultan never came about after Snyder lost in the semifinals to 2012 London Olympic champion Sharif SHARIFOV (AZE), whom Sadulaev then defeated for his fourth world title.

In the final at Tokyo, Sadulaev was hampered by a lingering leg injury and was forced to play a defensive game. But he scored a pair of 2-point counters off Snyder's takedown attempts which put him over the top.

"There are definitely some positions that I have got to get better in," Snyder said after the match. "That is what I'm thinking about. I have got to finish those attacks."

In Sadulaev's Sport Yakutia interview, it was pointed out that should he win all three world titles in the Olympic cycle, then take the gold at Paris 2024, he would tie the freestyle record of legendary Soviet star Alexander Medved with a combined 10 world and Olympic titles.

"We will work," Sadulaev said. "If my health allows, I will try not to miss the World Championships, I will fight everywhere, and I will do what is depended of me."

With Sharifov not making the trip to Oslo, it looks like a two-man race to the gold. But there are a handful of opponents capable of pulling a surprise and be in the battle to make the medal podium.

Leading the best-of-the-rest is Cuban-born Abraham CONYEDO (ITA), one of the bronze medalists at the Tokyo Olympics, where he lost 6-0 to Snyder in the quarterfinals. He also finished third at the 2020 European Championships and 2018 World Championships.

Russian-born Albert SARITOV (ROU), a Rio 2016 bronze medalist at 86kg, lost in the first round in Tokyo to Conyedo and will be aiming to make it farther in the competition in Oslo. The 36-year-old was the 2020 European silver medalist.

Four other quarterfinalists in Tokyo look to be among the mix -- Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO), a 2021 European and 2018 world bronze medalist; 2019 world bronze medalist Magomedgadji NUROV (MKD); 2021 Asian silver medalist Alisher YERGALI (KAZ); and 2021 European silver medalist Suleyman KARADENIZ (TUR).

Not to be discounted is 2020 Asian champion Mojtaba GOLEIJ (IRI), the 2019 world U23 champion.

In the women's 62kg class, defending champion Tynybekova will not have to contend with her main nemesis, Yukako KAWAI (JPN), who pipped her for the gold in Tokyo to avenge a third-round loss at the 2019 worlds. Kawai, like all of Japan's Olympians, is not entered this year.

Tynybekova made history with her triumph in Nur-Sultan, as it made her Kyrgyzstan's first-ever wrestling world champion, male or female, since it became independent in 1991.

She and Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ), a bronze medalist at 68kg, became the first Kyrgyz women to win Olympic medals, but Tynybekova was left devastated by falling short of her goal of becoming the country's first gold medalist in any sport.

"I could not accept the silver, and I could not hold back the tears," Tynybekova said in an interview with local media. "I did not sleep until dawn that day."

But while the 28-year-old was harsh on herself, her country was more than forgiving. She was treated to a hero's welcome upon her return, which greatly boosted her spirits, and not just from the 10 million som ($118,000) bonus and new Toyota car she was awarded from the state. She received something far more valuable.

Tynybekova had shut down her Facebook and Instagram accounts to focus on the Olympics, and when she restored them after the Games, she was overwhelmed by the flood of support.

"I was glad to see that every corner of Kyrgyzstan, every village, town and district is united," she said. "I wore this silver medal around my neck, held it in my hands, looked at it and didn't even take pictures.

"After the support of the Kyrgyz people, I felt differently and accepted the silver medal with a different love. That feeling was aroused by the support of my people. I learned that it is more valuable than gold."

Still, gold will be what she is after in Oslo, but Tynybekova cannot take the competition lightly. Even with the top Japanese missing, Tynybekova and the others should count on a dangerous alternate taking her place.

In Oslo, that will be 18-year-old Nonoka OZAKI (JPN), the 2019 world cadet champion who will be making her international senior debut. Ozaki earned the ticket to Norway by winning both of the top senior national tournaments, which, it should be noted, were missing Kawai.

Ozaki, the 2018 world cadet and Youth Olympics gold medalist at 57kg, is a highly touted product of the JOC Elite Academy, which produced Tokyo Olympic gold medalists Yui SUSAKI (JPN), Mayu MUKAIDA (JPN) and Takuto OTOGURO (JPN). It will be interesting to see how she holds up under the boiler-pressure of the top global tournament.

Another rising star also making her international senior debut will be recently crowned world junior champion Alina KASABIEVA (RWF). She also won the European junior title this year, and was a 2019 world cadet bronze medalist at 57kg.

Neither of the Tokyo bronze medalists were among the preliminary entries, but other ones to watch are 2019 world junior bronze medalist Ana GODINEZ GONZALEZ (CAN) and 2020 Asian silver medalist Ayaulym KASSYMOVA (KAZ).

Jenna Rose BURKERT (USA) will represent the United States at 55kg. (Photo: Tony Rotundo)

At women's 55kg, reigning champion Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) won't be around to defend her title after losing at the U.S. trials to Jenna BURKERT (USA), who is aiming to secure her first hardware in her fourth trip to the World Championships.

Burkert, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Matteo Pellicone tournament, won just one match in her three previous appearances at the worlds in weight classes ranging from 57kg to 60kg. She said she's ready to make a better showing this time after dropping to her lightest weight class since winning the Pan Am cadet title at 52kg -- back in 2008.

"You are only as good as your next match," Burkert said by email. "That’s how I always train. I don’t allow my ego to get caught up in how I’ve previously performed. I’m constantly pushing myself to make sure I’m putting in the work my body is capable of. I feel great both physically and mentally -- this new weight class really suits me in my opinion."

Burkert said the victory over Winchester, in which she won two matches to one in the best-of-3 format, with every match decided by one point, has given her a boost of confidence.

"I’m still working to be the best in the world," she said. "Beating the reigning world champ was the step I needed to get on the world team, and now it’s about getting after it on October 4 & 5th."

Nanami IRIE (JPN), the 2019 silver medalist, dropped down to 53kg but failed to make the Japan team, and the spot at 55kg was filled by Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN), the 2020 Klippan Lady gold medalist and 2016 world cadet champion.

Two entries who competed at the Tokyo Olympics at 53kg who can be expected to make waves in Oslo are 2019 world bronze medalist Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RWF) and Roksana ZASINA (POL), a 2017 world bronze medalist at 53kg.

Khoroshavtseva is coming off a victory at 53kg at the European Championships in June, giving her a second straight continental title after winning at 55kg last year.

Zasina, who lost in the quarterfinals in Tokyo to eventual champion Mukaida, won her fourth European medal this year when she took the silver, and was the silver medalist at 53kg at the Individual World Cup in 2020.

Asian hopes will also be on Poland Open silver medalist Sumiya ERDENECHIMEG (MGL), Asian bronze medalist Aisha UALISHAN (KAZ) and 2020 Asian champion Pinki PINKI (IND).

Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL), the two-time world medal winner, will move up to 70kg from his Tokyo Olympic weight of 65kg. (Photo: Gabor Martin)

At freestyle 70kg, Russian-born Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) looks to be the one to beat, with two-time world medalist James GREEN (USA), European champion Israil KASUMOV (RWF) and veteran Adam BATIROV (BRN) also well in contention.

The 33-year-old Gadzhiev, a 2019 world bronze medalist, finished seventh at 65kg at the Tokyo Olympics. In 2020, he won his second European gold and fifth medal overall, and also triumphed at the Individual World Cup.

Green is dead set on making it to the top of the podium after taking a silver at the 2017 world championships and bronze in 2015.

"I think about this a lot!" he said in an email. "It’s been a long time since I’ve been on top of any international podium. Silver and bronze seem to be the only medals that I get my hands on. That hasn’t stopped me from staying on the path for gold."

Not being on the U.S. Olympic team only adds incentive for a victory in Oslo.

"Not having an opportunity to go to the Olympics makes this world championships a redemption, not only for myself but the other non-Olympic weights," Green said. "I’m hungry for gold and I will end the drought this year.

#WrestleParis

Paris 2024: Fujinami, unbeaten in 137 straight bouts, becomes Olympic champion

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 23:10 By Ken Marantz

Share this article

PARIS (August 8) -- There is domination and there is the way that Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) overwhelmingly puts away every opponent who stands before her on the mat. And at just 20, it looks to continue for some time to come.

Fujinami capped an unobstructed run to the Olympic gold at women's 53kg with her fourth straight win of the tournament by fall or technical fall, overwhelming Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) 10-0 in the final on Thursday at the Paris Olympics.

"It's the best! The Olympics is the best! Wrestling is the best!" said a jubilant Fujinami, who extended her current winning streak at home and abroad to 137 matches in a row dating back to her junior high school days.

In the other finals at a packed Champs de Mar Arena, the Greco competition concluded with Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) winning Iran's second gold in two nights with a victory at 67kg, while Ukrainian-born Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) denied Iran a third by taking the 87kg gold for his adopted country.

Akari FUJINAMI (JPN)Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) scores a takedown on Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) in the 53kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

For Fujinami, the final against Yepez, who became Ecuador's first-ever Olympic wrestling medalist, offered a challenge from the only non-Japanese opponent who has ever given the reigning world champion a hint of trouble.

In a second-round match at last year's World Championships in Belgrade, Yepez stunned Fujinami and the wrestling world by jumping out to a 5-0 lead. Fujinami bounced back and won the match by fall after building a 16-7 lead, but the seven points remain the most ever scored on her by a non-Japanese opponent.

Not only that, but the only non-Japanese to go the distance during Fujinami's streak (116 of the 137 wins are by fall or technical fall) was Yepez, in a 3-1 loss in the semifinals at the 2018 World Cadet (U17) Championships.

As such, Fujinami remained cautiously aggressive during the match, working the opponent nicknamed "The Tiger" around the mat to set up her lethal takedowns that came one after another. Whether single-leg or double, Fujinami got three in the first period, then ended the match at 3:37 with two more in the second period.

After the match, Fujinami exchanged a poignant hug with Yepez. "Thinking back to our last match, it motivated me in practice," Fujinami said. "She's one of the athletes who has inspired me. I wanted to convey my thanks to her."

Fujinami had the pleasure of winning the gold in front of her parents, with her father Toshikazu having the best seat in the house. He was in her corner at matside, ostensibly as a national team coach but more as her private mentor.

Toshikazu has been her coach since she started wrestling at age 4, even following her to Tokyo from their home in central Japan to take a coaching position when she enrolled at powerhouse Nippon Sports Science University (among her other coaches there is a four-time Olympic gold medalist Kaori ICHO).

The two share an apartment, with dad also filling the unfamiliar role of cook. They have their share of clashes, but the combination has been working on the mat. Their joy of success is mutual. Those were his arms she leaped into after her victory.

"There are times we've clashed and had our share of arguments, but if my father wasn't with me, I would not be here today," said Fujinami, whose mother and grandmother watched the Paris final in the stands. "He's the person I owe the most gratitude."

For the two-time world champion, a recent spate of injuries have been all that has kept her from piling up more wins and titles. She skipped the 2022 World Championships due to a foot injury and participated in no pre-Olympic tournaments this year after suffering a dislocated elbow and undergoing surgery in March.

"It's the greatest of feelings [to win the gold], and everyone talks about the winning streak and it may look like it was smooth sailing, but when I had surgery in March, there were times when I thought it might be impossible," Fujinami said.

"To get the gold medal today, I feel that everything that I went through seemed necessary, and the injury was an experience that led to this shining moment."

She also credited the large contingent of Japanese fans, friends and teammates who have supported her along the way.

"I absolutely know that I didn't fight with just my own power," Fujinami said. "The many people cheering me on and supporting me brought me here today. I feel this is a gold medal that we all fought for and we all won together."

Fujinami's last defeat came in the finals at the 2017 National Junior High School Championships, when she fell 7-2 to Umi ITO (JPN). She made her senior debut with a victory at the 2020 All-Japan Championships and won her first senior world title the following year.

For Yepez, making history for Ecuador caused her to become emotional on the medal podium.

"A lot of things came to my mind, like when I was 10 years old, I battled a lot for this result," she said. "We have very few resources. My mother worked all day to pay expenses. Maybe one time I will get the gold medal. But this girl who was 10 years old is now an Olympic medalist."

Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI)Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) celebrates after winning the gold medal in the 67kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

In the Greco 67kg final, Esmaeili, two years removed from a world U20 championship and less than a month after his 21st birthday, relegated Parviz NASIBOV (UKR) to a second straight silver medal with a second-period surge.

Nasibov fought off an arm throw to score a takedown in the first period before adding a passivity point to lead 3-0 at the break. Esmaeili struck back quickly in the second period, getting behind for a takedown within seconds, then went ahead on criteria with a passivity point. Like Nasibov, he was unable to get a turn from par terre.

Nasibov regained the advantage with a takedown, but Esmaeili stuffed a throw attempt for a 2-point exposure to lead on criteria 6-6. An unsuccessful challenge made it 7-6, which is how it ended as Esmaeili joined Greco 97kg champ Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) as Iran's lone gold medalist in Paris.

“Thanks to God for achieving this medal," said Esmaeili, who defeated Tokyo Olympic champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) in a playoff to earn his ticket to Paris.

"If you follow wrestling you know how difficult it is, and in the last two years, it has also been difficult because I lost some relatives, and I withdrew from wrestling. I was able to put everything behind me and achieve this gold medal."

As for his new-found status as the rising star of Greco, Esmaeili commented, "It’s a big honor to be called 'a new talent,' and I’m humbled. I have to make more effort to win more medals.”

For Nasibov, there are deeper concerns than having to settle for a second silver medal as his country continues its defense against the Russian aggressor.

"It's hard to find the right words," he said. "While I feel joy, the people who defend my country, my family, are at war. I am sharing this precious medal with the people who defend our country."

Semen NOVIKOV (BUL)Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) dominated Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) in the 87kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari) 

At Greco 87kg, Novikov had been competing in the shadow of compatriot and two-time Olympic medalist Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) when he decided to make a career move by changing his citizenship.

The 26-year-old became naturalized in Bulgaria in 2022, and two years later, ironically shared an Olympic podium with Beleniuk, albeit on a higher step after defeating Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) 7-4 in the final.

"I dreamed about this when I was a child to one day be an Olympic champion," Novikov said. "The dream has come true."

In the final, Novikov started his charge to the gold with a gut wrench from par terre for a 3-0 lead. He received a second passivity point in the second period and, while he wasn't able to convert, he kept continual pressure on Mohmadipiani and tacked on three stepouts.

"The final fight was very good for me," Novikov said, adding, "Yesterday was harder in the semifinal," referring to his 3-1 win over world champion David LOSONCZI (HUN).

Before becoming Bulgaria's first Olympic wrestling champion in 24 years, Novikov had already been quite productive for his adopted country. He won bronze medals at both the World and European Championships in 2023, and picked up international wins this year in Antalya and Budapest.

Zhan BELENIUK (UKR)Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) announced his retirement after winning the bronze medal at 87kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Beleniuk completes Olympic set with bronze

While it was not his actual goal coming into Paris, Beleniuk completed the set of Olympic medals when he won the bronze at Greco 87kg with a 3-1 victory over Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL).

Beleniuk, the gold medalist in Tokyo and silver medalist at Rio 2016, got a gut wrench from par terre, then held out when Kulynycz had a second chance with a minute to go in the match.

"My main goal was to show a good result and medal," Beleniuk said. "Our Ukrainian athletes aren't just athletes who fight for some medals. We should spend the time here to share information about Ukraine because the war continues, and we should share support with our audience and partners in this war."

There will be no fourth Olympic medal for the 33-year-old two-time world champion, as he left his shoes on the mat after the match as the latest star of the sport announcing his retirement in this traditional way at the Games.

"For me, it's enough," Beleniuk said. "It's a good time to retire."

The other Greco 87kg bronze went to Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN), who could only manage a stepout on a throw attempt during a second chance at par terre, but it was enough for a 2-1 victory over Losonczi.

Bisultanov, the 2022 European champion who defeated Losonczi in the final of the 2023 Zagreb Open, became just the second Olympic medalist for Denmark since 1948 after Mark MADSEN (DEN) won a Greco silver at Rio 2016.

The bronze medals at Greco 67kg went to the finalists from last year's World Championships in Belgrade, Luis ORTA (CUB) and Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE), who both posted one-sided victories.

Orta, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist at 60kg who won the world title in his move up to the next Olympic weight, will go home with a second Olympic medal after a dominant 7-0 victory over Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM).

As for whether he will try for a third medal, Orta responded, "First I simply want to enjoy my medal with my teammates and with my family, my son, and then I will think about Los Angeles [in 2028]."

Two-time reigning European champion Jafarov scored a takedown in the opening seconds and never let up, rolling to an 8-0 victory over Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) to add the Olympic Greco 67kg bronze to his world silver from last year and bronze from 2022.

At women's 53kg, Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) gave the DPR Korea its first-ever Olympic women's wrestling medal with a 10-0 victory over Annika WENDLE (GER), who could offer little resistance after suffering a knee injury early in the contest.

Wendle twisted her knee during a Choe takedown less than 20 seconds into the match. After an extended period of treatment, she continued, but to no avail. Choe did not attack the injured limb, but easily got behind on four straight takedowns to end the match at 1:36.

Qianyu PANG (CHN), the Tokyo silver medalist, took home the other bronze when she defeated Khulan BATKHYAG (MGL) by fall in a match that saw plenty of action despite lasting just 1:05.

Pang opened up with a double-leg takedown to the back for 4, and Batkhyag responded with a nice ankle pick for a takedown. But as she tried to lever Pang over, the Chinese suddenly reversed the situation and landed chest-to-chest on top of Batkhyag for a quick fall.

"I don't find anything regretful because I give it my all each and every time," Pang said of having to settle for a bronze. "I will regroup and continue to train because I love wrestling."

Day 4 Results

Freestyle

57kg
SF1: Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) df. AMAN (IND) by TF, 10-0, 2:14
SF2: Spencer LEE (USA) df. Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) by TF, 14-4, 2:43

86kg
SF1: Magomed RAMAZANOV (BUL) df. Aaron BROOKS (USA), 4-3
SF2: Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) df. Myles AMINE (SMR), 7-1

Greco-Roman

67kg
GOLD: Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) df. Parviz NASIBOV (UKR), 6-5

BRONZE: Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) df. Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) by TF, 8-0, 2:14
BRONZE: Luis ORTA (CUB) df. Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM), 7-0

87kg
GOLD: Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) df. Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI), 7-4

BRONZE: Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) df. Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL), 3-1
BRONZE: Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) df. David LOSONCZI (HUN), 2-1

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) df. Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) by TF, 10-0, 3:37

BRONZE: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) df. Annika WENDLE (GER) by TF, 10-0, 1:36
BRONZE: Qianyu PANG (CHN) df. Khulan BATKHYAG (MGL) by Fall, 1:05 (6-2)

57kg
SF1: Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) df. Helen MAROULIS (USA), 10-5
SF2: Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) df. Kexin HONG (CHN) by Fall, 1:37 (2-7)