Development

Development Department Revamps Academy for Educators and National Federations

Thursday, February 18, 2021 - 04:33 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 18) -- United World Wrestling has revamped its online Academy to help prepare its worldwide community with at-home courses for educators and a new, interactive platform for national federations.  

 Coaches and educators looking to attend a Level I and II Coaches Course will now be able to fulfill their classroom practicum prior to signing up for on-the-mat sessions. The splitting of the course will allow for more concentration and preparation for the educators and the attendees. 

 “This system is a first of its kind for wrestling,” said UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY. “We saw an opportunity during this pandemic to expand our offering and make it more accessible to more educators, coaches and referees. Our hope is that we can have this space for years to come.” 

National federations were also granted their own pages with the ability to update their schedule and locations of training camps and UWW courses. Through direct control the national federations are better suited to be responsive to the individual needs of their internal stakeholders. The pages are also promotional, allowing for several photos to be shared by the national federation, adding further promotion and transparency for each course and event. 

 "Spain is thrilled to be able to count on "UWW Academy" to help our athletes, coaches and referees get more training and unified information on the Olympic Wrestling." said Francisco Javier IGLESIAS SERNA, President of Wrestling Federation of Spain. "This will be a good tool to keep up with international rules and new trends in training.” 

 The academy is still growing, with special focus on the delivery of high-level membership services, step-by-step guidance, and other useful administrative tools. Additional NF workshop dates will be sent out following the continental qualifiers in March and April.

#GrecoRoman

'Thank you, wrestling': Tokyo Olympic medalist Elsayed, 27, retires

Monday, July 14, 2025 - 10:34 By Vinay Siwach

Share this article

EGYPT (July 14) -- Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY) has announced his retirement from wrestling, concluding a distinguished career that included two Olympic appearances and two world U23 gold medals.

Elsayed posted on Instagram about his struggles with injuries and shared that the decision to retire was the "most difficult" for the 27-year-old wrestler.

"After many years of hard work, challenges, and victories [and] after I honored my country and raised its flag in internationally, and was able to achieve my dream and win an Olympic medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, I have reached the most difficult decision in my sports career.  I have decided to officially announce my retirement," Elsayed wrote in an emotional post.

Having won five gold medals at the African Championships, Elsayed was a trailblazer in Greco-Roman and was Egypt's new-found hope for the Olympics. He did not disappoint in Tokyo, where he had a surprising run to the semifinal, which he lost to Parviz NASIBOV (UKR), 7-6.

He bounced back in the bronze-medal bout and defeated Artem SURKOV (ROC), 1-1 to capture bronze, Egypt's first medal since 2012 London Olympics and only the third since 1960.

"Wrestling has always been more than just a sport to me," he wrote. "It was my life, my passion, and my support in the most difficult times. I thank God for every moment I lived on the mat and every moment of pride, and every encouragement I heard from my family, fans, and country."

One of the biggest achievements of Elsayed, apart from the Olympic medal, was winning successive world U23 gold medals in 2018 and 2019 at 67kg.

Elsayed expressed gratitude to various individuals who supported him throughout the journey including coaches and trainers. He also thanked wrestling.

"I thank every coach who helped me, every colleague who stood by me, and everyone who supported me with a kind word or a prayer from the heart. Thank you to everyone who was part of the journey.

"Thank you to wrestling, which taught me to be a man before being a champion."