#WrestleParis

Paris 2024: Fujinami, unbeaten in 137 straight bouts, becomes Olympic champion

By Ken Marantz

PARIS (August 8) -- There is domination and there is the way that Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) overwhelmingly puts away every opponent who stands before her on the mat. And at just 20, it looks to continue for some time to come.

Fujinami capped an unobstructed run to the Olympic gold at women's 53kg with her fourth straight win of the tournament by fall or technical fall, overwhelming Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) 10-0 in the final on Thursday at the Paris Olympics.

"It's the best! The Olympics is the best! Wrestling is the best!" said a jubilant Fujinami, who extended her current winning streak at home and abroad to 137 matches in a row dating back to her junior high school days.

In the other finals at a packed Champs de Mar Arena, the Greco competition concluded with Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) winning Iran's second gold in two nights with a victory at 67kg, while Ukrainian-born Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) denied Iran a third by taking the 87kg gold for his adopted country.

Akari FUJINAMI (JPN)Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) scores a takedown on Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) in the 53kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

For Fujinami, the final against Yepez, who became Ecuador's first-ever Olympic wrestling medalist, offered a challenge from the only non-Japanese opponent who has ever given the reigning world champion a hint of trouble.

In a second-round match at last year's World Championships in Belgrade, Yepez stunned Fujinami and the wrestling world by jumping out to a 5-0 lead. Fujinami bounced back and won the match by fall after building a 16-7 lead, but the seven points remain the most ever scored on her by a non-Japanese opponent.

Not only that, but the only non-Japanese to go the distance during Fujinami's streak (116 of the 137 wins are by fall or technical fall) was Yepez, in a 3-1 loss in the semifinals at the 2018 World Cadet (U17) Championships.

As such, Fujinami remained cautiously aggressive during the match, working the opponent nicknamed "The Tiger" around the mat to set up her lethal takedowns that came one after another. Whether single-leg or double, Fujinami got three in the first period, then ended the match at 3:37 with two more in the second period.

After the match, Fujinami exchanged a poignant hug with Yepez. "Thinking back to our last match, it motivated me in practice," Fujinami said. "She's one of the athletes who has inspired me. I wanted to convey my thanks to her."

Fujinami had the pleasure of winning the gold in front of her parents, with her father Toshikazu having the best seat in the house. He was in her corner at matside, ostensibly as a national team coach but more as her private mentor.

Toshikazu has been her coach since she started wrestling at age 4, even following her to Tokyo from their home in central Japan to take a coaching position when she enrolled at powerhouse Nippon Sports Science University (among her other coaches there is a four-time Olympic gold medalist Kaori ICHO).

The two share an apartment, with dad also filling the unfamiliar role of cook. They have their share of clashes, but the combination has been working on the mat. Their joy of success is mutual. Those were his arms she leaped into after her victory.

"There are times we've clashed and had our share of arguments, but if my father wasn't with me, I would not be here today," said Fujinami, whose mother and grandmother watched the Paris final in the stands. "He's the person I owe the most gratitude."

For the two-time world champion, a recent spate of injuries have been all that has kept her from piling up more wins and titles. She skipped the 2022 World Championships due to a foot injury and participated in no pre-Olympic tournaments this year after suffering a dislocated elbow and undergoing surgery in March.

"It's the greatest of feelings [to win the gold], and everyone talks about the winning streak and it may look like it was smooth sailing, but when I had surgery in March, there were times when I thought it might be impossible," Fujinami said.

"To get the gold medal today, I feel that everything that I went through seemed necessary, and the injury was an experience that led to this shining moment."

She also credited the large contingent of Japanese fans, friends and teammates who have supported her along the way.

"I absolutely know that I didn't fight with just my own power," Fujinami said. "The many people cheering me on and supporting me brought me here today. I feel this is a gold medal that we all fought for and we all won together."

Fujinami's last defeat came in the finals at the 2017 National Junior High School Championships, when she fell 7-2 to Umi ITO (JPN). She made her senior debut with a victory at the 2020 All-Japan Championships and won her first senior world title the following year.

For Yepez, making history for Ecuador caused her to become emotional on the medal podium.

"A lot of things came to my mind, like when I was 10 years old, I battled a lot for this result," she said. "We have very few resources. My mother worked all day to pay expenses. Maybe one time I will get the gold medal. But this girl who was 10 years old is now an Olympic medalist."

Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI)Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) celebrates after winning the gold medal in the 67kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

In the Greco 67kg final, Esmaeili, two years removed from a world U20 championship and less than a month after his 21st birthday, relegated Parviz NASIBOV (UKR) to a second straight silver medal with a second-period surge.

Nasibov fought off an arm throw to score a takedown in the first period before adding a passivity point to lead 3-0 at the break. Esmaeili struck back quickly in the second period, getting behind for a takedown within seconds, then went ahead on criteria with a passivity point. Like Nasibov, he was unable to get a turn from par terre.

Nasibov regained the advantage with a takedown, but Esmaeili stuffed a throw attempt for a 2-point exposure to lead on criteria 6-6. An unsuccessful challenge made it 7-6, which is how it ended as Esmaeili joined Greco 97kg champ Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) as Iran's lone gold medalist in Paris.

“Thanks to God for achieving this medal," said Esmaeili, who defeated Tokyo Olympic champion Mohammadreza GERAEI (IRI) in a playoff to earn his ticket to Paris.

"If you follow wrestling you know how difficult it is, and in the last two years, it has also been difficult because I lost some relatives, and I withdrew from wrestling. I was able to put everything behind me and achieve this gold medal."

As for his new-found status as the rising star of Greco, Esmaeili commented, "It’s a big honor to be called 'a new talent,' and I’m humbled. I have to make more effort to win more medals.”

For Nasibov, there are deeper concerns than having to settle for a second silver medal as his country continues its defense against the Russian aggressor.

"It's hard to find the right words," he said. "While I feel joy, the people who defend my country, my family, are at war. I am sharing this precious medal with the people who defend our country."

Semen NOVIKOV (BUL)Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) dominated Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) in the 87kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari) 

At Greco 87kg, Novikov had been competing in the shadow of compatriot and two-time Olympic medalist Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) when he decided to make a career move by changing his citizenship.

The 26-year-old became naturalized in Bulgaria in 2022, and two years later, ironically shared an Olympic podium with Beleniuk, albeit on a higher step after defeating Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI) 7-4 in the final.

"I dreamed about this when I was a child to one day be an Olympic champion," Novikov said. "The dream has come true."

In the final, Novikov started his charge to the gold with a gut wrench from par terre for a 3-0 lead. He received a second passivity point in the second period and, while he wasn't able to convert, he kept continual pressure on Mohmadipiani and tacked on three stepouts.

"The final fight was very good for me," Novikov said, adding, "Yesterday was harder in the semifinal," referring to his 3-1 win over world champion David LOSONCZI (HUN).

Before becoming Bulgaria's first Olympic wrestling champion in 24 years, Novikov had already been quite productive for his adopted country. He won bronze medals at both the World and European Championships in 2023, and picked up international wins this year in Antalya and Budapest.

Zhan BELENIUK (UKR)Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) announced his retirement after winning the bronze medal at 87kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Beleniuk completes Olympic set with bronze

While it was not his actual goal coming into Paris, Beleniuk completed the set of Olympic medals when he won the bronze at Greco 87kg with a 3-1 victory over Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL).

Beleniuk, the gold medalist in Tokyo and silver medalist at Rio 2016, got a gut wrench from par terre, then held out when Kulynycz had a second chance with a minute to go in the match.

"My main goal was to show a good result and medal," Beleniuk said. "Our Ukrainian athletes aren't just athletes who fight for some medals. We should spend the time here to share information about Ukraine because the war continues, and we should share support with our audience and partners in this war."

There will be no fourth Olympic medal for the 33-year-old two-time world champion, as he left his shoes on the mat after the match as the latest star of the sport announcing his retirement in this traditional way at the Games.

"For me, it's enough," Beleniuk said. "It's a good time to retire."

The other Greco 87kg bronze went to Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN), who could only manage a stepout on a throw attempt during a second chance at par terre, but it was enough for a 2-1 victory over Losonczi.

Bisultanov, the 2022 European champion who defeated Losonczi in the final of the 2023 Zagreb Open, became just the second Olympic medalist for Denmark since 1948 after Mark MADSEN (DEN) won a Greco silver at Rio 2016.

The bronze medals at Greco 67kg went to the finalists from last year's World Championships in Belgrade, Luis ORTA (CUB) and Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE), who both posted one-sided victories.

Orta, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist at 60kg who won the world title in his move up to the next Olympic weight, will go home with a second Olympic medal after a dominant 7-0 victory over Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM).

As for whether he will try for a third medal, Orta responded, "First I simply want to enjoy my medal with my teammates and with my family, my son, and then I will think about Los Angeles [in 2028]."

Two-time reigning European champion Jafarov scored a takedown in the opening seconds and never let up, rolling to an 8-0 victory over Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) to add the Olympic Greco 67kg bronze to his world silver from last year and bronze from 2022.

At women's 53kg, Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) gave the DPR Korea its first-ever Olympic women's wrestling medal with a 10-0 victory over Annika WENDLE (GER), who could offer little resistance after suffering a knee injury early in the contest.

Wendle twisted her knee during a Choe takedown less than 20 seconds into the match. After an extended period of treatment, she continued, but to no avail. Choe did not attack the injured limb, but easily got behind on four straight takedowns to end the match at 1:36.

Qianyu PANG (CHN), the Tokyo silver medalist, took home the other bronze when she defeated Khulan BATKHYAG (MGL) by fall in a match that saw plenty of action despite lasting just 1:05.

Pang opened up with a double-leg takedown to the back for 4, and Batkhyag responded with a nice ankle pick for a takedown. But as she tried to lever Pang over, the Chinese suddenly reversed the situation and landed chest-to-chest on top of Batkhyag for a quick fall.

"I don't find anything regretful because I give it my all each and every time," Pang said of having to settle for a bronze. "I will regroup and continue to train because I love wrestling."

Day 4 Results

Freestyle

57kg
SF1: Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) df. AMAN (IND) by TF, 10-0, 2:14
SF2: Spencer LEE (USA) df. Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) by TF, 14-4, 2:43

86kg
SF1: Magomed RAMAZANOV (BUL) df. Aaron BROOKS (USA), 4-3
SF2: Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) df. Myles AMINE (SMR), 7-1

Greco-Roman

67kg
GOLD: Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) df. Parviz NASIBOV (UKR), 6-5

BRONZE: Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) df. Amantur ISMAILOV (KGZ) by TF, 8-0, 2:14
BRONZE: Luis ORTA (CUB) df. Slavik GALSTYAN (ARM), 7-0

87kg
GOLD: Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) df. Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI), 7-4

BRONZE: Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) df. Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL), 3-1
BRONZE: Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) df. David LOSONCZI (HUN), 2-1

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) df. Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) by TF, 10-0, 3:37

BRONZE: Hyogyong CHOE (PRK) df. Annika WENDLE (GER) by TF, 10-0, 1:36
BRONZE: Qianyu PANG (CHN) df. Khulan BATKHYAG (MGL) by Fall, 1:05 (6-2)

57kg
SF1: Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) df. Helen MAROULIS (USA), 10-5
SF2: Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) df. Kexin HONG (CHN) by Fall, 1:37 (2-7)

#WrestleBaku, #WrestleParis

Aliyev leads as Azerbaijan wins six Paris 2024 quota at European qualifier

By Vinay Siwach

BAKU, Azerbaijan (April 7) -- Haji ALIYEV (AZE) on the mat in front of a packed stadium in Baku for an Olympic spot. The fans cheered every time he scored. It only got louder as he inched towards victory. As the final whistle blew, Aliyev stretched his arms and fell on the mat even as the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku was defeaning.

Two-time Olympic medalist Aliyev, 32, qualified Azerbaijan for the Paris Olympics at 65kg with an entertaining 6-4 victory over European champion Islan DUDAEV (ALB). Aliyev was back.

Since winning the silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics, Aliyev has not dominated the 65kg weight class. He finished fifth at the 2022 World Championships and eighth at the 2023 edition.

Azerbaijan was losing confidence in its star as the Paris Olympics came closer with it still to earning a qualification. Aliyev was under pressure and his conditioning was being questioned. And a few youngsters were knocking on the door.

Yet, Aliyev entered the European OG Qualifier in Baku as the favorite. In front of the home crowd and as the captain of the Azerbaijan Freestyle team, Aliyev had to deliver.

After seeing off Khamzat ARSAMERZOUEV (FRA) and Niurgun SKRIABIN (AIN), Aliyev faced Dudaev for Paris qualification. Dudaev won the European Championships in Bucharest in February after defeating Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (AIN).

He threatened to beat Aliyev, leading 3-0 at the break. But Aliyev managed to get on a single leg and score a takedown to close the gap to 3-2. He again hit the same shot and got a takedown before using the lace to make it 6-3. Dudaev tried hard but Aliyev was too good with his defense and only gave up a stepout for one up.

Azerbaijan will most likely give Aliyev the spot in Paris 2024, his third in his career. Aliyev will be looking to win his third Olympic medal after a bronze medal in Rio 2016 and a silver in Tokyo 2020.

The second Paris 2024 quota at 65kg was won by Goderdzi DZEBISASHVILI (GEO) who defeated Maxim SACULTAN (MDA), 2-1, in the other semifinal. The two wrestlers exchanged passivity but Sacultan was put on the activity clock in the second period, giving Dzebisashvili the criteria win. 

Aliyev's win was one of the five that Azerbaijan had to become the first country to win all six Freestyle Olympic quotas. Apart from Aliyev, Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE), Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE), Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE), Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE) earned quotas.

Rzazade seemed in a hurry to be off the mat as he opened the scoring against former European champion Vladimir EGOROV (MKD). He kicked off the bout with a stunning ankle pick for a takedown in the first five seconds of the bout and tried to soak in the Baku pressure by pacing around the mat as Egorov took time to return to the center.

In the second period, Rzazade scored a stepout when Egorov was on the activity clock, giving Rzazade a 4-0 lead. Egorov scored a takedown and was given one more point for Rzazade's fleeing at the end but the Azerbaijan wrestler won 4-3 to win the quota at 57kg.

Former world bronze medalist Aryan TSIUTRYN (AIN) defeated Tokyo Olympian Georgi VANGELOV (BUL), 7-3, in a one-sided semifinal to earn the second quota at 57kg.

At 86kg, Nurmagomedov showed his skills to beat Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), 4-1, to earn a qualification. He also defeated Ramazan RAMAZANOV (BUL) in the quarterfinals.

Wrestling internationally for the first time since 2021, Olympic and world bronze medalist Artur NAIFONOV (AIN) confirmed his Paris 2024 spot after a gritty 4-0 win over Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO). In the quarterfinal, Naifonov held off European champion Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE) 2-1.

Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE) confirmed the qualification at 125kg after he defeated Alen KHUBULOV (BUL), 7-0. The other qualification went to Dzianis KHRAMIANKOU (AIN) who defeated Kamil KOSCIOLEK (POL), 9-2.

A last-minute replacement for Abdulrashid SADULAEV (IND), Alikhan ZHABRAILOV (AIN) still got the job done of qualifying after he defeated Illia ARCHAIA (UKR), 11-0 to earn the Paris 2024 quota.

The second spot at 97kg was won by Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (AIN) after his opponent Radoslaw BARAN (POL) pulled out due to an injury he suffered in the quarterfinal.

At 74kg, Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) did let the ghost of past affect him as he held on to a 8-8 win over Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) in a thrilling bout.

Chamizo trailed 8-6 but got awarded two caution points and almost scored a takedown which was reverted on challenge and Bayramov got a criteria win and an Olympic quota.

Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Magomedkhabib KADIMAGOMEDOV (AIN) held on to a 3-2 win over European champion Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) to win the quota. All five points were technical points.

 

fg

RESULTS

57kg Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Aliabbas RZAZADE (AZE) df. Vladimir EGOROV (MKD), 4-3
SF 2: Aryan TSIUTRYN (AIN) df. Georgi VANGELOV (BUL), 7-3

65kg Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Goderdzi DZEBISASHVILI (GEO) df. Maxim SACULTAN (MDA), 2-1
SF 2: Haji ALIYEV (AZE) df. Islam DUDAEV (ALB), 6-4

74kg Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE) df. Frank CHAMIZO (ITA), 8-8
SF 2: Magomedkhabib KADIMAGOMEDOV (AIN) df. Taimuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK), 3-2

86kg Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Artur NAIFONOV (AIN) df. Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO), 4-0
SF 2: Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) df. Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR), 4-1 

97kg Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Alikhan ZHABRAILOV (AIN) df. Illia ARCHAIA (UKR), 11-0
SF 2: Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (AIN) df. Radoslaw BARAN (POL), via inj. def.

125kg Paris Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Dzianis KHRAMIANKOU (AIN) df. Kamil KOSCIOLEK (POL), 9-2
SF 2: Giorgi MESHVILDISHVILI (AZE) df. Alen KHUBULOV (BUL), 7-0