| Aleksandr Karelin is the reigning Greco-Roman wrestling world champion, in the 130kg division. (heavyweight) He has not lost a match in 12 years, and has not been scored upon since 1993. Physically, he is among the most intimidating sights in all of sports. He stands 6'-4", weighs approximately 300lbs, and "exudes pure strength."
"The Siberian Bear," as he is referred to in wrestling circles, was born on September 19, 1967, in Novosibirsk, Siberia. His father was a truck driver. His mother, an office worker, must have known right away that her son would be something special. Karelin reportedly weighed 15lbs at birth! As a boy, he enjoyed hunting & skiing. At 13, and already taller than his father, he was discovered by his coach, Victor Kusnetzov. When he was 15, he competed in a junior tournament and broke his leg. His recovery served as a catalyst for his spirit. Two years after his injury, he became the world junior champion and was named to the Soviet national team. He has been wreaking havoc on the world of Greco-Roman wrestling ever since! His most recent achievement was winning the Greco-Roman gold medal (130kg) at the 1996 Olympics, in Atlanta, defeating American Matt Ghaffari, 1-0. |
Russian Federation