Saytiev crowned for 3rd time in Olympics
Thursday, 21 August 2008
BEIJING, Aug 20 : Buvaysa Saytiev of Russia won his third Olympic wrestling gold Wednesday when he triumphed in men's freestyle 74kg category at the Beijing Olympics.
After winning golds at Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 Olympics, Saytiev won his third in Beijing to tie the record made by Alexander Medved of former Soviet Union in 1964, 1968 and 1972.
In today's tough final, Sayteiv dropped his first period to Soslan Tigiev of Uzbekistan, but calmly scored a go-behind point in the second, and then a low single and back exposure in the third for the victory.
Despite the win, the 33-year-old Russian was not satisfied with his performance in the final.
"I got an easy win in the semifinal and that saved my energy," said Saytiev. "The final was really tough, especially at my age. I will be 37 by 2012 London Games and I'm afraid I won't even pass the Russian trial."
Saytiev's victory gave Russia its fifth wrestling gold at the Beijing Olympics.
Before Saytiev's crown, Ramazan Sahin won the 66kg final to earn Turkey the first gold at the Beijing Olympics.
The reigning world champion conceded the first period to Ukrainian Andriy Stadnik but took the next two for a 2-1 (2-2, 2-1, 2-2) victory.
"The final was the most difficult round, because my opponent was very strong," said Sahin. "I lost to him in our last encounter, but I felt quite relaxed and confident this time so I could win."
After winning golds at Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 Olympics, Saytiev won his third in Beijing to tie the record made by Alexander Medved of former Soviet Union in 1964, 1968 and 1972.
In today's tough final, Sayteiv dropped his first period to Soslan Tigiev of Uzbekistan, but calmly scored a go-behind point in the second, and then a low single and back exposure in the third for the victory.
Despite the win, the 33-year-old Russian was not satisfied with his performance in the final.
"I got an easy win in the semifinal and that saved my energy," said Saytiev. "The final was really tough, especially at my age. I will be 37 by 2012 London Games and I'm afraid I won't even pass the Russian trial."
Saytiev's victory gave Russia its fifth wrestling gold at the Beijing Olympics.
Before Saytiev's crown, Ramazan Sahin won the 66kg final to earn Turkey the first gold at the Beijing Olympics.
The reigning world champion conceded the first period to Ukrainian Andriy Stadnik but took the next two for a 2-1 (2-2, 2-1, 2-2) victory.
"The final was the most difficult round, because my opponent was very strong," said Sahin. "I lost to him in our last encounter, but I felt quite relaxed and confident this time so I could win."