#ThrowBackThursday

#TBT​ Slay Stuns Eventual Three-Time Olympic Champ Saitiev

Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - 21:34 By Eric Olanowski

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Brandon SLAY ?? scored one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history after stunning eventual three-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion, Buvaisar SAITIEV ??, 4-3, en route to the 76kg gold medal at the ’00 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Coming into the ’00 Olympic Games, Saitiev was arguably the best freestyle wrestler in the world. He was the defending Olympic gold medalist and a three-time world champion. Saitiev entered the Sydney Games riding a perfect 19-0 combined record in world championship and Olympic action.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

Five-time Olympic champ Lopez named UWW Ambassador

Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 09:51 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 13) -- United World Wrestling has named Mijain LOPEZ (CUB), five-time Olympic gold medalist, as UWW ambassador.

Lopez, first athlete to win five Olympic gold medals in the same event, will be representing United World Wrestling (UWW) globally as an ambassador of the sport. This includes engaging in international relations, attending official events and championships, delivering masterclasses, and more.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role as a UWW Ambassador and share my passion for wrestling across the globe," Lopez said. "I’m committed to giving back and inspiring future generations.

"My son has taken up wrestling and is following in my footsteps, so it feels only natural to embrace this role and contribute on a broader level. I’m also actively involved in supporting the training of the Cuban national team as I transition into this new chapter."

Lopez will also serve as an advisor to the UWW President and Bureau, offering strategic input on the future of wrestling and supporting various development projects.

Recently, Lopez attended the International Olympic Committee Athlete Forum in Lausanne organized by the IOC and spent two days at the UWW Headquarters along with UWW Athletes Commission Chair Arsen JULFALAKYAN (ARG).