Obituary

Russian Olympic Silver Medalist Gennady Strakhov Passes Away Due to COVID-19 Complications

By United World Wrestling Press

Gennady STRAKHOV, an Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling for the Soviet Union, passed away due to complications caused by COVID-19. He was 76 years old.

Strakhov reached the finals of the 1972 Olympics in Munich where he faced Ben PETERSON (USA). The match ended in tie, but Peterson was awarded the gold medal based on having more falls than Strakhov. 

Prior to winning an Olympic silver medal, Strakhov claimed a gold medal at the 1970 World Championships, along with European titles in 1969 and 1972. 

The Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) released a statement on Strakhov's passing. 

"The Russian Wrestling Federation, athletes and coaches of national teams in women's and men's freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling sincerely condole with the family and friends of Gennady -- we deeply mourn with you."
 

#development, #Anti-Doping

UWW, ITA deliver anti-doping education at World Championships camp

By United World Wrestling Press

POREC, Croatia (September 11) -- The United World Wrestling recently hosted a successful on-site Anti-Doping education event in collaboration with the International Testing Agency at the World Championships acclimatization camp in Poreč.

This marked the first time UWW partnered with ITA to deliver education directly at a training camp. A dedicated booth was set up on September 8 and 9 during the camp, and presentation sessions, led by ITA educator Anita HARTUNG, were held during the evenings of both days.

"The camp offered a great opportunity to connect with athletes ahead of their major competition," Hartung said. "Many stopped by the Clean Sport booth before and after training, showing genuine interest and openness in discussing the fundamentals of Anti-Doping.

"It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a motivated athlete community and support them in their sporting journey."

The sessions provided athletes with in-depth knowledge about Anti-Doping rules, safe supplement use, and ethical sporting practices.

Two dedicated presentation sessions explored key topics, including athletes’ rights and responsibilities, how to check medications, Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and the risks associated with supplement use.

Holding the sessions during the acclimatization period, rather than the competition phase, allowed athletes to engage in a more relaxed environment and fully focus on learning.

CRO

"These are some of the best wrestlers in the world, and thanks to the collaboration with ITA, they are better informed,” Carlos ROY, UWW Secretary General, said. "Education on Anti-Doping protects our sport, promotes fair competition, and ensures our athletes can perform at their best with confidence."

The initiative reflects UWW’s ongoing commitment to clean sport and athlete support. By equipping wrestlers with knowledge and tools to make informed choices, UWW and ITA aim to strengthen integrity in wrestling while fostering a culture of safe and fair competition.

The Anti-Doping education sessions are part of a broader effort by UWW to provide athletes with continuous learning opportunities on the importance of competing clean, complementing existing regulations and testing programs.

With the World Championships on the horizon, these activities ensure that athletes are not only physically and technically prepared but also well-informed about Anti-Doping practices, reinforcing the values of integrity, fairness, and excellence in wrestling.