Obituary

Alexander Ivanitsky, Tokyo Games Olympic Champion, Dies at 82

Saturday, July 25, 2020 - 15:35 By United World Wrestling Press

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MOSCOW (July 25) -- Alexander Ivanitsky, who won a gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, was found yesterday after an accidental drowning. He was 82.

According to Ivanitsky's son, the four-time world champion had been missing for two days after leaving for a mushroom hunting trip. It's believed he drowned while trying to cross the Wayne River in the Moscow Region of Russia. A member of the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame, Ivanitsky was a global figure well-known for his work in the sport after retiring.

A native of Yarovaya, Krasnolimansky, Donetsk (in present day Ukraine), Ivanitsky was one of the most celebrated champions in Soviet Russia. After his wrestling career came to an end Ivanitsky worked at a news channel in charge of its sport department.

"Our community is very sad to hear of Mr. Ivanitsky's passing. He was a great champion with a reputation that young wrestlers admired. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic.

Obituary

Dr. Bernie Feldman, UWW Hall of Fame Doctor, Dies at 81

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 - 10:25 By United World Wrestling Press

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TOKYO (August 4) -- Dr. Bernie Feldman, who treated thousands of international wrestlers over four decades and traveled the globe in service to the sport, has died. He was 81.

A figure on the international wrestling scene since volunteering to help at the 1983 Junior World Championships, Dr. Feldman served as a doctor for United World Wrestling at numerous Olympic, World and Continental Championships for decades.

"Dr. Feldman was a valued member of our community," said UWW president Nenad Lalovic. "He made the sport of wrestling better and helped us tremendously. We send our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed."

Dr. Feldman was the Medical Care Supervisor in 7 Olympic Games between 1988 & 2016; 17 World Championships between 1986-2015, 3 Pan American Games & 3 World Cups. He was also awarded UWW’s Silver Star in 2008 and the Gold Star in 2012.

In addition to his on-the-mat assistance, Dr. Feldman was a key figure in helping to establish United World Wrestling's Medical Prevention and Anti-Doping Department where he served since 2003.