Obituary

Daniel Robin, Double Olympic Silver Medalist and Hall of Fame Wrestler, Dies at 74

Thursday, May 24, 2018 - 13:25 By Tim Foley

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 24) – Hall of Fame wrestler Daniel ROBIN (FRA), who won two silver medals at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, died Wednesday at the age of 74.

A native on Bron, France (near Lyon) Robin became France’s first first world champion wrestler in 1967. At the 1968 Olympic Games Robin earned silver medals in Greco-Roman and freestyle, both at welterweight. He is the only wrestler to ever earn two silver medals at the same Olympic Games.

Following his career on the mat, Robin became head national team coach for France and later vice-president of the French Wrestling Federation. After retirement Robin began working with FILA and United World Wrestling as a technical delegate. In 2010 Robin was named to the organizing committee of the 2012 London Olympics as director of the wrestling operations.

Robin was inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.

“Daniel was a great champion of our sport and his passion for wrestling was everlasting,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC. “As a person he touched the lives of many through kindness and his willingness to share how wrestling had such a positive impact on his life. My condolences go out to his family during this time.”

Robin was the in-house French announcer at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and was the technical delegate for the 2018 Commonwealth Games last month in Gold Coast, Australia.

Wrestlers from around the world remembered Robin with fondness Wednesday, remarking on his positive attitude and passion for developing the sport.

“Daniel Robin was an ambassador for wrestling and his commitment to improving the sport never stopped, he was actively involved with young wrestlers. His accomplishment as a double Olympic silver medallist depicts his passion for the sport in a feat that is one of a kind,” said Secretary General Michel DUSSON.

“He devoted his life to wrestling and was an accomplished champion but more over a great friend. He will be dearly missed, and my thoughts are with his family.”

Rabah Chebbah, President of the Algerian Wrestling Federation, Dies at 55

Monday, December 14, 2020 - 15:10 By United World Wrestling Press

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Rabah CHEBBAH, President of the Algerian Wrestling Federation and Treasurer of the Algerian NOC, passed away due to COVID-19. He was 55 years old. 

Mr. Chebbah was considered by his colleagues and sports executives as the linchpin of the Algerian sports movement.

He began his career as the technical director of the wilaya at the level of the Algiers wrestling league, before occupying the positions of DTN and national trainer of Greco-Roman wrestling. 

"We are very saddened to learn of Mr. Chebbah's passing," said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. "He was passionate about wrestling in his country and a great supporter of our initiatives and progress. We send our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed."

In recent years Mr. Chebbah had also taken on the role of Treasurer of the Algerian NOC where he was well-liked and admired.

"Myself and the members of the Executive Committee as well as the staff of the Algerian Olympic Committee are devastated and sad by the death of Rabah Chebbah," said COA President Abderrahmane HAMMAD. "It is a great loss for the Algerian sports movement. I knew it when I was an athlete. I want to wish his children and his family all the best."

Mr. Chebbah was buried in the cemetery of Oued Romane (Algiers).