Aleksandr Medved is the most decorated freestyle wrestler in history. Throughout his storied career he has managed to win 10 World and Olympic Gold medals becoming the first wrestler in history to ever hit that milestone.
Medved was born in Ukraine, he competed for the Soviet Union for the duration of his career. He won his first medal at the 1961 World Championships.
During his prime Medved was only beaten once and this came at the 1965 World Championships to Turkey’s Ahmet Ayik.
Medved’s most famous matches came against his rival from Bulgaria, Osman Duraliev. Duraliev would meet Medved in almost every final having competitive matches over and over again but Medved would always find a way to win.
He announced his retirement after the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. After this he had many endeavors such as being the vice president of the Belarus Olympic Committee, coaching at the Belarusian State University and others things as well.
When the FILA (now UWW) announced their first hall of fame class Medved was one of the first members to get inducted in the inaugural class of 2003.
Medved’s son Aleksei had success in the sport of wrestling as well winning a Junior World title in 1987.
Accolades:
Euros-
1966 European Champion (+97kg)
1968 European Champion (+97kg)
1972 European Champion (+100kg)
Worlds-
1961 World Bronze Medalist (+87kg)
1962 World Champion (97kg)
1963 World Champion (97kg)
1965 World Silver Medalist (97kg)
1966 World Champion (97kg)
1967 World Champion (+97kg)
1969 World Champion (+100kg)
1970 World Champion (+100kg)
1971 World Champion (+100kg)
Olympics-
1964 Olympic Champion (97kg)
1968 Olympic Champion (+97kg)
1972 Olympic Champion (+100kg)
