The golden medallist from Olympic Games in Moscow 1980 Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov has died.
The U.S.S.R champion in Greco-Roman wrestling passed away aged 69.
Ushkempirov was the first ethnic Kazakh to win an Olympic gold in wrestling and became a national star following his performance. To honor his achievements, there is an international Junior Greco-Roman wrestling tournament named “Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov” held annually in Kazakhstan.
He was also inducted into the UWW Hall of Fame in 2014.
In addition to his Olympic gold, Ushkempirov was a 1981 World champion, 1980 European silver medallist, USSR Champion (1975,1980), and Honored Master of Sports of USSR (1980).
Ushkempirov also received the Labor of Kazakhstan award as well as the honors of “Barys”, “Badge of Honor”, “Parasat”.
Photos: United World Wrestling