Alexander Karelin Hero of Russia, three-time Olympic champion Date of Birth: 19.09.1967 Country: Russia

1. Biography of Alexander Karelin
2. Wrestling Career
3. Personal Life
4. Current Activities
5. Achievements and Awards

Biography of Alexander Karelin

Alexander Karelin, a Russian fighter, three-time Olympic champion, and Hero of Russia, was born in Novosibirsk in 1967. From his childhood, Karelin showed an interest in sports, including hockey and swimming. However, his life took a major turn when he was noticed by Victor Mikhailovich Kuznetsov, who became Karelin's only coach. Under Kuznetsov's guidance, Karelin's life changed completely. He trained tirelessly, even overcoming injuries, and became a prominent wrestler.

Wrestling Career

In 1986, Karelin was included in the Soviet national team. As a member of the team, he won championships in the country, Europe, and the world. Karelin's only defeat in his entire career came in the final of the 1987 Soviet Championship against Igor Rastorotsky. After this defeat, he went on a winning streak, becoming an Olympic champion in 1988 and winning multiple world championships.

Karelin's signature move, the "reverse waistlock," brought him many victories, including the 1990 and 1991 World Championships. He continued to dominate the sport, winning nine consecutive world championships from 1989 to 1999. In 1999, he even ventured into mixed martial arts, winning his first-ever fight using his famous move.

However, Karelin's career faced a setback at the 2000 Sydney Olympics when he lost to Rulon Gardner, earning him a silver medal. It was the first time Karelin returned home without a gold medal. Following this defeat, he announced his retirement from wrestling.

Personal Life

Alexander Karelin is happily married to Olga and they have three children: Denis, Ivan, and Vasilisa. Ivan has followed in his father's footsteps and became interested in Greco-Roman wrestling, while Vasilisa is a professional gymnast. Karelin's home is in Novosibirsk, but he frequently visits Moscow and travels for various competitions, including the "Karelin Prize" wrestling tournaments.

Despite his intimidating appearance, Karelin is a sensitive and intellectual person. He enjoys reading works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, American and English literature, and studying the life of Pyotr Stolypin. He has pursued a career in politics, serving as a member of the State Duma and actively participating in the development of Russian sports and supporting young athletes.

Current Activities

Alexander Karelin continues to dedicate himself to politics, believing that he can contribute greatly to Russia. He is a member of the State Duma and serves on the Committee on Energy. He also participated in the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Olympics and attended the international forum "Olympiad-80: 35 Years Later" in Novosibirsk in 2015.

In 2016, a biographical film called "Champions: Faster. Higher. Stronger" was released, which depicted the lives and achievements of leading Russian and Soviet champion athletes. Sergei Bondarchuk Jr. played the role of Karelin in the film.

Achievements and Awards

Throughout his career, Alexander Karelin received numerous awards and honors, including being named the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of the 20th century by the International Federation of Amateur Wrestling (FILA). Some of his notable achievements and awards include:

- Master of Sports of the USSR (1984)
- Honored Master of Sports of the USSR (1988)
- Hero of the Russian Federation (1997)
- Order of Friendship of Peoples (1989)
- Gold Belt as the world's best wrestler (1989, 1990, 1992, 1994)
- Order of Honor (2001)
- Olympic Order (2001)
- Gold Branch (2002) from FILA
- Honorary Citizen of Novosibirsk
- Medal of Pokryshkin (2013)

Alexander Karelin's legacy as a dominant wrestler and his contributions to Russian sports have left a lasting impact.