Weekly FIVE! December 3, 2018

Monday, December 3, 2018 - 13:30 By Eric Olanowski

Discussing the inaugural AWL, MBR Creative Sports Award, and Wrestling 4 All Open Day. Also looking at the joint referees and coaches courses in Guatemala and Georgia.

1. United World Wrestling Wins MBR Creative Sports Award, $250k for Development Work

United World Wrestling has won the "MBR Creative Sports Award" for the best initiative for an International Summer Olympic International Federation. The award, one of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, was in recognition of United World Wrestling’s development program “More than Medals” a Cadet-level wrestling initiative active on five continents in 2018.

The 2018 More than Medals program ran from February to July and impacted more than 200 young wrestlers and coaches to qualify for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The award, worth $250,000, was announced as part of the MBR Creative Sports Award 10th annual award and is the “primary sports award dedicated to inspiring creativity in sports in the UAE, Arab countries, and worldwide.”

“We are very grateful for this recognition and see it as a sign that our hard work in reaching young athletes is having a positive effect,” said United World Wrestling president and IOC executive board member, Nenad Lalovic. “The MBR Creative Sports Award will go far in helping expand the reach of our development department.”

Click here to read more about the MBR Creative Sports Award

2. United World Wrestling and Partners Host “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” in South Africa

United World Wrestling, in partnership with Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and coordination by the South African Wrestling Federation, is hosted a “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” on December 1st in Randburg South Africa.

The event was coordinated in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“We are happy to be partnered with the [OHCHR] for this event,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “Our goal is to grow the sport of wrestling and show it’s unique power to bring people together through sport. We believe that wrestling can be physical fitness and fun for all ages, but also allow for better dialogue among those who have disagreements.”

The “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” is an opportunity for kids, youth and adults in the area to participate in a variety of wrestling-related events. In addition to an Olympic style wrestling tournament, there will be beach wrestling and fitness activities. Their day will also feature United World Wrestling’s “Wrestle4Fun” program run by human rights champion Mpho MADI (RSA). Children up to 13 years of age are eligible to participate in the games session.

Coaches and athletes interested in high-level fitness certifications also participated in the day’s events. United World Wrestling global supplier Suples Wrestling, led by founder Ivan Ivanov, hosted a two-day certification camp allowing attendees to learn more about how to utilize equipment for wrestling-based training.

Click here to read more about “Wrestling 4 All Open Day."

3. Joint Referees and Coaches Educator Courses for Wrestling Hosted in Guatemala, Georgia

Oil and water. Cats and dogs. Referees and coaches. Some things in this world simply don’t mix.

In wrestling that conflict between referees and coaches may soon be improving. In an effort to harmonize the rule keepers and the men and women tasked with leading teams to victory, United World Wrestling has delivered a pair of educator courses in Guatemala and Georgia attended by both referees and coaches.

“The aim of the course is wonderful because the referees and the coaches learn new teaching techniques and debate on various areas to improve the sport of wrestling,” said United World Wrestling development director Deqa Niamkey. “It’s all about perspective and now they have shared experience and dialogue which will serve the sport.”

The courses were the result of the Referee Development Programme launched after the UWW Bureau Meeting in Paris 2017, with numerous educational courses organized to enhance and synchronize the courses provided by UWW. The first course was delivered in Manchester, Great Britain for English speakers in November 2017 and was available to referees and coaches from all five continents.

The 2018 Americas course was delivered at the Centro Alto Rendimentio (CARDA) in Guatemala City November 15-20 under the supervision of referee instructor Abraham GALVA (PUR) and development officer Vincent Aka, while the Georgian Wrestling Federation hosted the Russian speakers course under the supervision of referee instructor Ibrahim CICOGLU (TUR), Vaclav SCHEINER (CZE), and Vincent AKA (CIV) with the assistance of Petru TOARCA (ROM).

“The course was amazing. It is an eye-opener of new views, approach, philosophy of learning and transferring knowledge to younger generations,” said Davor PETANJEK (CRO) 1s Referee and instructor. “We need more collaboration and communication between the two groups. It is time that we assist our national federations in their development process and provide educational courses in the future with trained UWW Educators”

Click here to read more about the joint referees and coaches educator courses

4. Starosta Named Rayko Petrov Award Winner

The International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR), in conjunction with the Scientific Commission of United World Wrestling (UWW), presented Wlodzimierz STAROSTA (POL) the Rayko Petrov Award at the at the UWW Scientific Commission "Challenge and Perspectives in Wrestling" symposium held Nov. 21-22 in Kiev, Ukraine.

Starosta is the founding President of the International Association of Sport Kinetics (IASK) and a well-known researcher. He has published numerous books and papers focusing strongly on the advancement of human development and sports kinetics.

During his professional academic career, Starosta spent time at the University School of Physical Education and Tourism in Bialystok, University School of Physical Education in Poznan (Gorzow) and Research Institute of Sport in Warsaw.

The Rayko Petrov Award is named in honor of Rayko PETROV, a coach, scientist, pedagogue and outstandingly erudite person who dedicated all his life to the "romantic idea, love, and magic…" of wrestling. His published hundreds of titles in scientific publications, textbooks, manuals, programs, sports regulations and over 80 books. He was inducted into the UWW Hall of Fame in 2010.

5. Team Taylor beats Team Dake, 7-3 in Inaugural AWL The Begining

The U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, hosted the inaugural “American Wrestling League I The Beginning” last Saturday and Team David Taylor knocked off Team Kyle Dake, 7-3.

The dual began at 70kg where two-time world medalist James GREEN kicked the evening off with a win for Team Dake. That would be the last time Team Dake had the lead, as Team Taylor went on a five-match win streak heading into the 125kg bout. At 125kg, Team Dake’s Dom BRADLEY was expected to take on 2018 Greco-Roman world finalist Adam COON (USA). Coon unexpectedly withdrew from the competition and Zach REY stepped in for Team Taylor. Bradley eventually went on to beat Ray, giving Team Dake their second win of the dual, narrowing Team Taylor's lead to 5-2.

A pair of wins for Nico MEGALUDIS and Cory CLARK locked up the win for Team Taylor, but the most anticipated match of the night was yet to come. At 65kg, the premier bout of night lived up to hype as Jordan OLIVER (USA) held on to defeat Zain RETHERFORD (USA) in a 24 point shoot-out.

Retherford, USA's 2017 world team member, had an early lead in the opening period, but Oliver struck back and took the 4-3 lead before Oliver opened the bout up with a massive five-point move, extending his lead to 9-3 heading into the final period.

Oliver grabbed a takedown early in the second period and fell into prevent mode after leading 11-4. Retherford stormed back, scoring seven unanswered points and closed Oliver's lead to two points, but Oliver eventually held on to win 13-11.

Each of the starters from Team Dake and Team Taylor picked up $2,500 to show, and $5,000.

AWL I Results (Team Taylor df. Team Dake, 7-3)
57kg - Nico MEGALUDIS (Team Taylor) df. Frank PERRELLI (Team Dake), 7-2
61kg - Cory CLARK (Team Taylor) df. Tony RAMOS (Team Dake), 8-0
65kg - Jordan OLIVER(Team Dake) df. Zain RETHERFORD (Team Taylor), 13-11
70kg - James GREEN (Team Dake) df. Brandon SORENSEN (Team Taylor), 10-0
74kg - Tommy GANTT (Team Taylor) df. Richie LEWIS (Team Dake), 7-2
79kg - Alex DIERINGER (Team Taylor) df. Isaiah MARTINEZ (Team Dake), 4-2
86kg - Sam BROOKS (Team Taylor) df. Nick HEFLIN (Team Dake), 11-4
92kg - Mike MACCHIAVELLO (Team Taylor) df. Deron WINN (Team Dake), 8-0
97kg - Kyven GADSON (Team Taylor) df. Jacob KASPER (Team Dake), 5-2
125kg - Dom BRADLEY (Team Dake) vs. Zach Rey (Team Taylor), 3-2

Weekly FIVE! In Social Media

1. Big Move Monday!
2. "Wrestling 4 All Open Day"
3. Black and white photos from World Championships
4. Photo of Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) from the 2008 Junior World Championships
5. World champion @Stepa_59_ shows off his belt and medal collection!

#WrestleTirana

Paris Olympic medalists in Tirana: An overview

Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 14:24 By Vinay Siwach

TIRANA, Albania (February 22) -- Tirana is quickly becoming a wrestling puller. After the thrilling World Championships in October, the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series will also prove to be a fan-favorite with the depth of field that in taking the mats in Tirana.

Given no further drop outs, 10 Paris Olympic medalists are expected to participate in Tirana including one champion -- Semen NOVIKOV (BUL).

Overall, five medalists are in Freestyle and three in Greco-Roman while two medalists are in Women's Wrestling. Here's a deep dive into the 10 Paris medalists heading to Tirana for the February 26 to March 3 event.

Greco-Roman

Semen NOVIKOV (BUL): Stuck behind Ukraine's legend Zhan BELEBIUK (UKR) at 87kg in Ukraine, Semen NOVIKOV (BUL) switched to Bulgaria. The change of countries brought change of fortunes for Novikov.

A world medal, Olympic qualification and a gold medal in Paris all gave Novikov a just reason to explain his switch. And the run in Paris included wins over David LOSONCIZ (HUN), Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) and Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI).

Tirana will test Novikov as some of the biggest names at 87kg are wrestling at the Muhamet Malo and the Olympic champion will be up for it.

Alireza MOHAMADIPIANI (IRI) won a silver medalist in his debut Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI): One of the top prospects in Greco-Roman for Iran is Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI). He may have lost the World Championships and Olympic finals but Mohmadipiani should be well settled at 87kg till Los Angeles 2028.

He will get a chance to wrestle Novikov in Tiran, depending on the draw. And a win for Mohmadipiani over Novikov will boost his confidence.

Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) won a bronze medal at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI): Sometimes the bracket it out like that. Amin MIRZAZADEH (IRI) was stuck behind Mijain LOPEZ (CUB) and Riza KAYAALP (TUR) in Tokyo at 130kg. He defeated Kayaalp at the World Championships. But in Paris, he ran into Lopez again.

While he lost, Mirzazadeh captured the bronze medal that he missed in Tokyo. With Lopez retired and Kayaalp unclear about future, Mirzazadeh is undoubtedly the best 130kg wrestler. That is if Fardin HEYDAYATI (IRI) doesn't take his spot.

Tirana will be his first test and Heydayati the second when the two meet domestically.

Grace BULLEN (NOR) won the first wrestling medal at Olympics for Norway. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Women's Wrestling

Grace BULLEN (NOR): At 62kg, Grace BULLEN (NOR) has finally found her mojo. After struggling to qualify at 57kg, she not only qualified but won a bronze medal at 62kg in Paris. She could have well been in the final but Sakura MOTOKI (JPN) produced the move of the tournament to flip over and pin Bullen.

Bullen is also the European champion at this weight and will begin her season in Tirana with a lot of expectations. There will be a few challenges but Bullen will be favorite to win this weight class.

Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) is a two-time Olympic medalist. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR): Silver medalist at 62kg in Paris, Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) will at 65kg in Tirana. Koliadenko is an underrated wrestler in the world. She has bronze from Tokyo and silver from Paris, a European gold medal and world medals as well. Koliadenko will no doubt be the top wrestlers in Tirana.

In the new Olympic cycle, Koliadenko will take her own time to lean towards 62kg or 68kg as Ukraine's superstar Iryna BONDAR (UKR) is making quick strides. Tirana will give some idea which way Koliadenko leans.

Islam DUDAEV (ALB) won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Freestyle

Islam DUDAEV (ALB): Albania's history-maker in Paris is wrestling at home. Dudaev won the first-ever medal for Albania in Olympic history in any sport in a thrilling bronze medal bout against Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN), pulling off a 13-12 win.

Dudaev had an incredible 2024 in which he also became the European champion at 65kg, qualified for the Paris Games in Istanbul, and etched his name in history.

However, he will have his task cut out in Tirana. Also entered in the field in Olympic silver medalist Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI).

Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) is a silver medalist at 65kg from Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI): Among the many superstars that Iran produces, 65kg had to endure a wait long. Amouzad changed that in 2022 when he won the World Championships. He qualified for the Paris Games from the 2023 World Championships but his run was dismal as he did not win a medal.

But come Paris, Amouzad was in red-hot form. He blanked Dudaev and Muszukajev. The final did not go his way as he lost to Kotaro KIYOOKA (JPN) as his comeback was cut short. Amouzad-Dudaev rematch will be one bout to watch out for.

Chermen VALIEV (ALB) won bronze in a tough 74kg bracket in Paris. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Chermen VALIEV (ALB): Along with Dudaev, Valiev was the other Olympic medalist for Albania. He too will be wrestling at home at 74kg. Valiev had a remarkable run in Istanbul where he qualified for Paris after a win over Soner DEMIRTAS (TUR).

And Valiev almost had a similar in Paris but a challenge turned his victory to defeat against Razambek JAMALOV (UZB), who went on to win the gold medal and Valiev the bronze. Still, Valiev defeated Mahamedkhabib KADZIMAHAMEDAU (AIN) and Viktor RASSADIN (TJK) en route his bronze.

Valiev, in an interview with UWW last year, told that he is ready to avenge his loss to Jamalov however that opportunity will be later in the year.

Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) won a silver medal in Paris at 97kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO): In an excellent at the Paris Olympics, Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) made it to the 97kg final. He ran into Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) and a failed arm-spin attempt resulted in a pin and Matcharashvili ended up with a silver medal.

The season will begin with Matcharashvili wrestling at 125kg in Tirana but that doesn't mean he will be at 125kg. He wrestled a few times at 125kg last year as well but returned to 97kg. In Tirana, he will face quite a few challenges at the super heavy weight class.

Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) returned with a silver medal from the Paris Olympics. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI): One of the top matches of Paris Olympics was the 125kg in which Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI), who has past wins over Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO), lost to Petriashvili after getting caught in a gut-wrench. Down 8-0, Zare mounted a comeback but as time ran out, he fell short 10-9.

Zare will be full of motivation to begin his new year with a gold medal. He may not get a hand on Petriashvili soon but Zare must look at the bigger picture of 2028 LA Olympics.

Weekly FIVE! December 3, 2018

1. United World Wrestling Wins MBR Creative Sports Award, $250k for Development Work

2. United World Wrestling and Partners Host “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” in South Africa

Comments

Paris Olympic medalists in Tirana: An overview