#UWWAwards2022

Akgul Named 2022 Freestyle Wrestler of the Year

Monday, December 26, 2022 - 14:51 By Eric Olanowski

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (December 26) --United World Wrestling has announced Taha AKGUL (TUR) as the 2022 Freestyle Wrestler of the Year after his three title-winning performances in 2022.

Akgul, the three-time world champion, missed out on podium-topping finishing at the World Championships for the last seven years, with his last gold coming in 2015 in Las Vegas. But Akgul rejuvenated his winnings ways in 2022, as he defeated 2021 world champion Amirhossein ZARE (IRI) in the semifinals of the World Championships, before defeating Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR (MGL), 6-2, to win his third world title.

At the beginning of the season, Akgul won the Yasar Dogu Ranking Series gold with five dominant wins. The 32-year-old followed his promising Istanbul performance up with a sensational European Championships, closing out the competition with a three-point win over his arch-rival Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) to win his ninth European C’ship gold.

The three gold medals in 2022 also pushed Akgul to 68000 ranking points, enough for him to finish on the top of the pile at 125kg.

Akgul, who won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, was asked about the difference between his titles in 2015 and 2022.

"Nothing has changed. I have lost twice in the final in the past, that was very annoying. I would have been world champion five times if that had not happened. If I stay healthy and train well, I can beat everyone,” Akgul had said after winning gold in Belgrade.

Development

Divcibare hosts 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 12:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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DIVČIBARE, Serbia (February 13) — Nestled in the scenic mountains of Serbia, DivČibare served as the host city for the 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course, held from January 23-26. This event gathered 28 participants from 17 different countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Olympic and world champions, referees, and experienced coaches, all eager to enhance their instructional skills and contribute to the development of wrestling education worldwide.

The course was expertly led by Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA), with the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling (UWW). Over four days, participants engaged in a dynamic and interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports education. Microteaching sessions provided a hands-on approach, allowing attendees to refine their skills by delivering lessons and receiving constructive peer feedback.

4.0Participants go through an on-the-mat training course at Serbia. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A highlight of the program was the diverse exchange of experiences among participants. “As an Olympic champion, I will definitely incorporate many of the concepts from this course into my future programs,” noted Komeil GHASEMI (IRI). Mo EGYPT, a world champion, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies and interactive teaching methods into coaching strategies, while Nenad ZUGAJ (CRO) described the experience as “a course where we all participated through various tasks, helping and guiding each other.”

Beyond the classroom, the event fostered camaraderie among educators, strengthening global collaboration for future wrestling education initiatives. Participants enjoyed their stay at a tranquil mountain hotel, enhancing team dynamics and cultural exchange.

srb 2UWW staff walk through the interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports educatio. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the significance of this course at the start of a new Olympic cycle, stressing UWW’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its educational programs by involving high-level experts and supporting athletes in their transition to coaching roles.

With a renewed sense of purpose and enriched teaching methodologies, the educators left Divččibare prepared to contribute to the continuous growth of wrestling education worldwide. The course not only elevated professional capacities but also reinforced the shared mission of developing the next generation of wrestling instructors through innovation and excellence.