Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov: Kazakh Greco‑Roman Wrestler, 1980 Olympic Champion
Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov (1951–2020) was a Kazakh Greco‑Roman wrestler for the Soviet Union, winning Olympic light‑flyweight gold in 1980 and the 1981 world title; later he remained an influential figure in Kazakh wrestling.
Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov (6 May 1951 – 2 August 2020) was a Greco‑Roman wrestler from Kazakhstan who competed at light‑flyweight for the Soviet Union. He is best known for winning the Olympic gold medal at the 1980 Games and for becoming world champion the following year.
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Career
Ushkempirov began training in wrestling in 1969. Over the next decade he rose through the Soviet ranks, capturing national titles in 1975 and again in 1980. At the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow he claimed the gold medal in the light‑flyweight division. In 1981 he added the World Championship to his list of major victories.
Major achievements
- Olympic Games 1980 — gold medal, light‑flyweight (Greco‑Roman)
- World Wrestling Championships 1981 — gold medal
- Soviet national champion — 1975 and 1980
Later life and death
Following his competitive career Ushkempirov remained a notable figure in his sport in his homeland. He died on 2 August 2020 at the age of 69.
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AlegsaOnline.com Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov: Kazakh Greco‑Roman Wrestler, 1980 Olympic Champion Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/148263