Rivalry

Wrestling Showcases Heavyweight Battle in Short Film, "Rivalry: Taha v. Geno" 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - 14:43 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 15) -- They are the largest men in the sport of wrestling and for the past several years they've been exchanging some of its most epic battles.

With back-and-forth action and incredible stamina leading to nail-biting outcomes, Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) and three-time world champion Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have become appointment viewing for wrestling fans around the world. The duo has competed more than a half dozen times, exchanging wins and losses in what are often high-scoring matches with exertion that often seems in defiance of what is possible.

The documentary highlights the action on the mat, but also the incredible respect and admiration the duo shares for each other. 'I'm extra prepared and motivated each time we wrestle," says Akgul in the film. "He's an incredible sportsman with a strong will," replies Petriashvili.

While the action on the mat can get heated, the duo has showcased the power of respect in a rivalry and that wrestling -- while intense and without forgiveness -- can be a platform for building character.

Fans can watch the documentary for free on YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, and the UWW website.

#WrestleParis, #UnitedWorldWrestling

IOC EB, Lalovic visited Sorbonne before Paris Olympics

Sunday, July 28, 2024 - 09:36 By United World Wrestling Press

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Top Photo (from left to right): Nicole HOEVERTSZ, Nenad LALOVIC, John COATES, Emma TERHO, IOC President Thomas BACH, Kristin KLOSTER, Gerardo WERTHEIN, Ser MIANG NG, Kirsty COVERNTRY

PARIS (July 27) -- United World Wrestling and International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC visited Sorbonne in Paris last week. IOC President Thomas BACH along with the IOC EB visited Sorbonne, the place where the IOC EB was first founded.

Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, and the EB met in Sorbonne 130 years ago to found the IOC in Paris.

Before the 2024 Paris Olympics which began July 26, the current IOC EB revisited the same room where it all began.

Lalovic was first elected as an IOC member in 2015 for an eight-year term. He was re-elected unanimously at the 141st IOC session in Mumbai in 2023 for a new eight-year term.

As an IOC EB member, Lalovic was first elected in 2018 and then re-elected in 2022 in Beijing for a four-year term. He also serves on the WADA Executive Committee and the ASOIF Council.