Aleksandr Medved, Olympic Wrestling Legend, Dies at 86
Freestyle wrestling great Aleksandr Medved died on Sept. 2, 2024, aged 86, United World Wrestling reported. He won three Olympic gold medals for the Soviet Union—in 1964, 1968 and 1972—and seven world titles.
A historic wrestling career
Medved’s Olympic titles came at Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968 and Munich 1972. UWW records seven World Championship gold medals, alongside a silver and a bronze. His combined Olympic and world championship tally was 10 gold medals. United World Wrestling obituary · UWW athlete profile.
After his competitive career, Medved worked as a coach and remained a prominent figure in wrestling. UWW described him as one of freestyle wrestling’s most successful competitors, noting his seven world titles from 1962 to 1971 and his three Olympic championships.
Medved was born in 1937 and died two weeks before his 87th birthday. His records and achievements made him one of the defining figures in the sport’s history.
Medved’s Olympic run stretched across three consecutive Games: Tokyo in 1964, Mexico City in 1968 and Munich in 1972. UWW also lists three European titles. His 10 Olympic and world gold medals therefore represent sustained success across nearly a decade. Medved was 27 at the October 1964 Tokyo wrestling competition. He later coached and remained closely connected to wrestling after retiring from competition.
Sources
Tags: Wrestling
