Russian Greco-Roman wrestler Sergei Semenov became the European champion in the weight category over 130 kg. In the final match, Russia defeated 12-time European champion Ryza Kayaalpa, the representative of Turkey.
In the bronze medal fight in the up to 63 kilo category, Anvar Allahyarov defeated Latvian Alexander Jurkans. Adlet Tyulubaev defeated Romanian Alexandrin Guta in the bronze medal fight in the weight up to 77 kg.
The European Wrestling Championships will take place in Bucharest (Romania) between 12-18 February. In the tournament, Russian wrestlers perform as neutral athletes.
For 28-year-old Semenov, this European Championship gold was the first gold in his career. He won the bronze medal in 2019. The Russian wrestler also has gold medals at the 2018 World Championship, gold at the 2017 World Cup (as a team), silver at the 2019 European Games, and two bronze medals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.
Semenov missed the qualifying stage for the Paris Olympic Games due to his injury in September 2023.
Previously in Slovakia supported IOC decision on Russia’s admission to the Olympic Games.