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.
 

#development

Road to Dakar 2026 Continues with Successful Central Africa Programme in Brazzaville

Monday, June 22, 2026 - 08:50 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (June 21) -- The second stop of the United World Wrestling (UWW) Africa Regional Educational Development Programme, Road to Dakar 2026, concluded successfully in Brazzaville after a week combining athlete preparation, education, technical development and competition in Olympic and Beach Wrestling.

Held from June 8 to 14 in the Republic of Congo, the Central Africa phase brought together National Olympic Committees and National Federations from across the region under a unified objective: strengthening wrestling ecosystems and creating more accessible pathways toward the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.

As the second of four regional tournaments scheduled within the continental Road to Dakar programme, the event represented another important milestone on the road to the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.

Africa REDT

The UWW Africa Regional Educational Development Programme was designed as a comprehensive and sustainable model that extends beyond competition. The initiative combines athlete development camps, coach and referee education, and practical competition opportunities.

By decentralising activities across regions and consolidating training and competition into one structure, the programme aims to reduce financial barriers for national federations and increase opportunities for athletes and technical officials.

Throughout the week, athletes participated in intensive daily training sessions, as coaches attended the UWW Technical Course - Level 2, focused on improving technical knowledge, athlete development methodologies and long-term performance planning.

Africa REDT

Simultaneously, referees took part in dedicated education sessions covering Beach Wrestling and introductory officiating pathways, preparing them for selection to undertake the International Category III referee examination in the future.

The programme concluded with the Regional Tournament, followed by the Beach Wrestling Regional Tournament, giving participants the opportunity to apply lessons learned during the educational phase directly into competition conditions.

The programme specifically prioritised youth development, with participating athletes largely drawn from the U17 age group and encouraging the involvement of emerging coaches across Central Africa. Support mechanisms jointly delivered by UWW and Olympic Solidarity helped facilitate participation through travel, accommodation, training access and tournament organisation.

Africa REDT

More than just a standalone event, Brazzaville demonstrated the long-term vision behind Road to Dakar 2026 by building stronger national structures, expanding participation and creating sustainable development opportunities well before the final qualification stages for the Youth Olympic Games.