Three-time Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Buvaisar Saitiev has passed away at the age of 49, Russian sports officials confirmed on Sunday.
A Wrestling Legend
Saitiev dominated the 74 kg freestyle wrestling category, securing Olympic gold medals in 1996, 2004, and 2008. He also claimed six world and European championship titles, solidifying his place as one of the greatest wrestlers in history.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev described Saitiev’s death as “premature and tragic,” but no official cause of death has been disclosed. Degtyarev hailed him as an “inestimable contributor” to the sport.
A Decorated Career
After retiring in 2009, Saitiev received multiple civil honors in Russia, including the prestigious ‘Order of Friendship’ awarded by the Russian president. He later transitioned into politics, serving as a member of the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament.
Born in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Saitiev moved to Siberia in 1992 to train at a renowned wrestling center. His younger brother, Adam Saitiev, also achieved Olympic success, winning gold at the 2000 Sydney Games.
Legacy Beyond Wrestling
Saitiev was not just a wrestling champion but also an admirer of Russian literature. He was deeply influenced by Nobel laureate Boris Pasternak and often recited the poet’s verses before matches, shaping his mindset both on and off the mat.
Remembering Buvaisar Saitiev
With nine World-level gold medals, including six World Championship titles and three Olympic victories, Saitiev’s legacy in wrestling remains unmatched. His passing marks the end of an era for the sport.
