#ThrowBackThursday

#TBT: Snyder Upsets Defending World Champ Gadisov to win ’15 World Gold

By United World Wrestling Press

Kyle SNYDER (USA) entered the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas as a prodigy. Though inexperienced at the international level, he had made a name for himself on the American wrestling scene. He had a junior world title in 2013 and a bronze medal at the same event in 2014.

Abdulsalam GADISOV (RUS) was the defending world champion at 97kg and was looking to become a two-time world champ.

But Snyder had different ideas.

In a battle that will long be remembered by wrestling fans, Snyder, backed by the home crowd in Las Vegas, stunned the Russian great Gadisov 5-5 to claim the gold medal in his senior world debut.

Gadisov was leading 4-3 when Snyder scored a takedown for two points, 22 seconds before the clock expired. The American gave up a point for stepout but managed to hang on for a 5-5 win.

With Snyder's win in Vegas at the ripe age of 19, became USA's youngest-ever world champ. He won the gold at Rio Olympics in 2016 to etch his name in the record books before his world-renowned rivalry with Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) began in 2017.

UWW statement on Iran wrestlers

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 29) -- United World Wrestling has received multiple communications regarding the situation of four Iranian wrestlers. UWW is attentive to these concerns and is actively following the situation.

As a sporting organization, UWW is not in a position to directly influence global or national affairs. However, we are particularly concerned about the situation of Iranian athletes impacted by the events unfolding in their country, as we are with all athletes worldwide who are affected by conflict and tragedy.

UWW is seeking further reliable information and reiterates its commitment to the protection of athletes and respect for fundamental sporting values.