Obituary

Olympian and longtime referee Eberhard Probst passes away

Thursday, February 22, 2024 - 10:11 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 22) -- Two-time world bronze medalist and Olympian Eberhard PROBST from Germany passed away at the age of 69 years.

Probst was born on June 4, 1955, in Querfurt, where he grew up and began wrestling in 1966 at his club the BSG Merseburg. He attended the Children's and Youth Sports School in Halle an der Saale. From 1970 to 1985, Probst collected 17 East German championship titles for the Chemie Halle Sports Club, making him one of the most successful national freestyle wrestling champions all over Germany. 

At the international level, Probst won World Championships bronze medals in 1979 and 1982 while finishing fifth at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He also placed eighth at the 1976 Montreal Games. He also won bronze medals at the European Championships in 1976, 1979 and 1981.

After his active career, Probst began a career as a referee in 1984 and, due to his reserved, factual-calm, and expert manner, also internationally developed into one of the best referees in the world from 1986 onwards.

Probst was nominated for his first Olympic Games as a referee in 2004, the third overall, in Athens. As the only German mat official, he represented Germany at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. At the World Championships in Herning, Denmark, in 2009, he received the Golden Whistle, the highest award for referees by UWW.

Obituary

Vadim Psarev, Hall of Fame Greco-Roman Coach, Dies at 86

Monday, January 14, 2019 - 14:18 By United World Wrestling Press

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ALMATY, Kazakhstan (January 14) -- Legendary Greco-roman wrestling coach Vadim PSAREV passed away Saturday, January 12 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He was 86.

During his long career, Psarev coached five Olympic medalists, including three Olympic gold medals. The native Russian also coached 12 gold medalists at World Championships and World Cups. 

Psarev was recognized by United World Wrestling in 2014 with his selection to the organization's Hall of Fame. He was also awarded as an "Honored Coach of USSR" (1969) for his work with the USSR in the 40's, 50's and 60's. 

Psarev later became the head Greco-Roman coach for the Kazakhstan national team head coach and was later given the title of "Honored Coach of Kazakhstan."

A farewell ceremony for Psarev will be held on January 15 at 10am in the sports complex "Dostyk" at 48 Abay Avenue, Almaty.

Famous Wrestlers Under Psarev

Ushkempirov, Zhaksylyk (1951) - champion and medalist of the USSR Championships, medalist of the European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Bakulin Vladimir (1939–2012) - prize-winner of the USSR Championships, European and World Championships, Olympic Games prize-winner, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Detsiev Bisolt (1964) - champion of the USSR and Europe, winner of the USSR Cup and the world Cup,Asian Championship medallist.

Nazarenko Anatoly (1948) - champion and medalist of the USSR, Europe and World Championships, Olympic medalist, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Rezantsev Valery (1946) - champion of the USSR, Europe, the world, the Olympic Games, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.