Obituary

Referee Thomas Martin Hyllegaard Passes Unexpectedly at Age 37

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 25) -- We are sad to announce the sudden death of United World Wrestling category I referee, Thomas Martin Hyllegaard, who was taken from us Saturday, August 22.

Thomas lived his early years in the Danish city of Frederikshavn, where he started wrestling at the age of 10. His life has since revolved around wrestling. As a young man, he was wrestling in the Danish Capitol city of Copenhagen while attending the Danish Police academy.

In 2008, Thomas attended the quadrennial European Games for Police officers, where he placed 7th. He took up refereeing the same year which he excelled at, quickly reaching the top tiers of international refereeing. Thomas stood firm at his goal – he wished to referee at the Olympic Games.

He worked tirelessly for the advancement of the Danish referees. Thomas led a successful campaign recruiting young referees as well as conveying and translating the latest rules from United World Wrestling.

Thomas is survived by his wife and two young sons, ages 8 and 6.

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UWW sets up two independent panels to review Chamizo-Bayramov bout

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 12) -- United Word Wrestling has set up two different panels to independently and separately analyze the refereeing decisions, including the challenge decisions, of the match between Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) and Turan BYRAMOV (AZE) at the European OG Qualifier in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Each panel will be composed of three members, respectively the chairman of the Refereeing Commission plus two experts, and three Bureau members with expertise in refereeing and International Wrestling Rules.

In addition, the Chairman of the UWW Disciplinary Chamber will appoint a panel of three members to review the outcomes of the ongoing investigation concerning the allegations of attempted corruption and alleged violation of the integrity of our sport. This panel will decide on the disciplinary actions to be taken in this matter.

UWW is resolutely committed to thoroughly investigating and clarifying all aspects of the 74kg semifinal bout between Chamizo and Bayramov, ensuring transparency and upholding the integrity of wrestling.