Anti-Doping

UWW Bans Modzmanashvili After Re-Analysis of London Sample

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (November 10) -- United World Wrestling announced that Davit MODZMANASHVILI (UZB) has been banned until October 2, 2026, following the re-analysis of his sample from the 2012 London Olympics.

Modzmanashvili, who has competed for Uzbekistan since 2017, tested positive for the prohibited substance dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (oral turinabol).

Modzmanashvili claimed a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at 120kg and his removal re-shuffled the order of medalists at the 2012 London Games. Bilyal MAKHOV (RUS) became the new silver medalist and Daulet SHABANAY (KAZ) the bronze medalist.
 

Obituary

U.S. Greco-Roman star Alan Vera passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 24) -- United States Greco-Roman wrestler and Pan-Am champion Alan VERA (USA) passed away Monday. Vera suffered a sudden cardiac arrest earlier this year and had been hospitalized since then in recovery from his serious health challenges.

Vera was born in Cuba and won a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and a gold medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships, while competing for Cuba. He immigrated to the United States and lived in Florida for a number of years. He continued to train and compete in Greco-Roman and various international events for a few years.

Vera qualified the U.S. for the Paris Olympics in 97kg at the 2024 Pan-American Olympic Qualification Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico.

Very saddened to hear about Alan Vera’s passing. In my limited time around him he was always willing to help on the mat, and offer a laugh at a terrible joke I made

— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) September 24, 2024
 

Domestically, Vera claimed his first U.S. national title in 2020, and won four national titles during his career.

Vera was married to Elena PIROZKHOVA (USA), a two-time Olympian and former world champion.

United World Wrestling mourns the death of Vera and stands with the Vera family.