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.

Obituary

Japan legend Hanahara passes away at 84

Friday, February 9, 2024 - 18:39 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 9) -- United World Wrestling and the Japanese Wrestling Federation, with heavy hearts, announce the passing of Mr. Tsutomu HANAHARA, a revered Olympic champion who etched his name in history through his extraordinary feats in the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Mr. Hanahara, at the age of 84, passed away February 5th, 2024, at approximately 23:00, succumbing to illness.

Mr. Hanahara's crowning achievement came at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, where he captured the hearts of a nation by defeating Angel KERESOV (BUL), clinching the 52kg Greco-Roman gold medal.

Following his career on the mat, Mr. Hanahara continued to shape the landscape of Greco-Roman wrestling in Japan, assuming the role as Chairman of the Strengthening Committee of the Japanese Wrestling Federation. His leadership was instrumental in propelling the Japanese wrestling team to new heights, notably steering them at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

As a coach, Mr. Hanahara led his alma mater, Nippon Sports Science University, to 18 consecutive East Japan Student League Championships, spanning from 1979 to 1996.

Mr. Hanahara's passion for wrestling carried over to his son and grandson. His son, Daisuke HANAHARA (JPN), finished in 11th place at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he competed in the 57kg Greco-Roman bracket. Furthermore, his grandson, Hiroto HANAHARA (JPN), clinched a 57kg freestyle bronze medal at the 2023 U15 Asian Championships.

UWW and the Japan Wrestling Federation mourn the passing Mr. Hanahara and express our deepest sympathies to the Hanahara family.