Obituary

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

Thursday, February 11, 2021 - 16:10 By United World Wrestling Press

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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

Wrestling with Excellence: Armenia upskills coaches and referees

Friday, April 18, 2025 - 11:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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YEREVAN, Armenia (April 18) -- Armenia Wrestling Federation organized a coaching and referee course during its national championships with an aim to improve in respective fields. The course was done in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling

The courses, organized for the second time by Armenia, took place between March 22-31 at the Olympic Centre in Yerevan. The federation had previously organized a Level 1 Coaching Course and the Introduction to Referee Course.

The referee course was organized before the national championships and began on March 22.  The Level 2 course -- Referee Foundations Course -- was led by Alexey BAZULIN.

With 19 referee participants, the first three days of the course focused on the theoretical content and included some practice on the mat. All participants used the acquired skilled practically during the three days during the championships.

"The seminar participants worked as one team, helping each other and were involved in the work process, analyzing and applying the knowledge gained," Bazulin said.

Following the competition, the referees and coaches worked together in a joint session led by both UWW Educators. The Level 2 coaching course began on March 27 and was led by Sergei KOVALENKO.

The course had 14 participants, who covered numerous practice planning concepts in both theoretical and practical sessions. The seminar participants expressed the opinion that such seminars should be held regularly. This provides an opportunity to consolidate previously acquired knowledge, learn something new, share experiences, and analyze advanced teaching methods and other activities.