UWW Live

UWW LIVE: Frank CHAMIZO (ITA): Two-Time World Champion

Friday, July 17, 2020 - 18:59 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

Frank CHAMIZO (ITA)  is one of the world's biggest wrestling stars.

In December, Chamizo was named 2019 United World Wrestling Wrestler of the Year in freestyle.

Chamizo, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and two-time world champion, captured his third world medal by earning silver at 74kg in Nur-Sultan. In April of 2019, Chamizo won his third European title at with an 8-0 victory over France's Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA). He claimed medals at the City of Sassari Tournament (gold), Yasar Dogu (silver) and Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov Tournament (bronze).

Chamizo joined Eric Olanowski to talk about his upcoming match with fellow two-time world champion Kyle DAKE (USA), his philosophy on cutting weight and his favorite moment from his storied wrestling career.
 

#BeachWrestling

Sakurai swaps mat for sand, wins Beach Wrestling gold

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 09:01 By Vinay Siwach

Share this article

TOKYO (May 13) -- Paris Olympic champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) made a return to competition for the first time since August last year. However, it was not on the mat.

Sakurai, who won gold medal at 57kg in Paris, returned to compete in beach wrestling. She wrestled at the Japan Beach Wrestling National Team Qualifying Tournament held in Tachikawa, Tokyo on Sunday and won gold at 60kg

"It may sound strange for me to say it, but I felt that I was suited to it," Sakurai was quoted by Japan Olympic Committee.

Sakurai, who is not entered for the June 19-22 Meiji Cup, Japan's qualifying tournament for the World Championships in September, is now qualified to compete for Japan in Beach Wrestling this year.

"Since I am qualified for the international tournament, I will try to participate," she said. "I want to be number one. I'll practice on the sandy beaches of Kochi [Prefecture]."

The three-time world champion, however, did not rule out the possibility of returning to the mat soon.

"I am still practicing on the mat and when I feel like I am ready, I will be back on the mat," she said.