
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov Male
Freestyle wrestler
October 1, 1982
North Ossetia–Alania, Russia0
0 likesOctober 1, 2026
363 days away5
Updated just nowKhadzhimurat Gatsalov is a Russian freestyle wrestler celebrated for his dominance in the heavyweight divisions during the 2000s. Born on 1982-10-01 in North Ossetia-Alania, Russia, Gatsalov grew up in a region with a strong wrestling tradition that shaped his athletic path from a young age. His early involvement in wrestling quickly revealed his potential, and he soon rose through the national ranks.
Gatsalov pursued his education alongside his wrestling career, training with the prestigious Russian wrestling schools that have produced many champions. By the early 2000s, he was competing internationally, showcasing his strength, technique, and discipline against some of the best wrestlers in the world.
His career highlight came at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where Khadzhimurat Gatsalov won the gold medal in freestyle wrestling at 96 kg, cementing his place in wrestling history. He went on to claim multiple World Wrestling Championships titles, further solidifying his reputation as one of Russia's greatest wrestlers. His ability to adapt across different weight classes and consistently perform at the highest level made him a formidable competitor.
Beyond his medals, Gatsalov's significance lies in his role as a symbol of Ossetian sporting excellence and his contribution to Russian wrestling's global dominance. His career inspired younger generations of athletes in Russia and abroad. Even after his competitive years, he has remained connected to the sport, contributing to its growth and development.
More about Khadzhimurat Gatsalov
- Olympic Gold Medal – Freestyle Wrestling, Athens (2004)
- World Wrestling Championships Gold – New York (2003)
- World Wrestling Championships Gold – Guangzhou (2006)
- World Wrestling Championships Gold – Baku (2007)
- World Wrestling Championships Gold – Moscow (2010)
- World Wrestling Championships Gold – Tashkent (2014)
- European Wrestling Championships Gold – Moscow (2010)
- European Wrestling Championships Silver – Dortmund (2003)
- Russian National Wrestling Champion (multiple years)
- Inducted into International Wrestling Hall of Fame (2018)
- Order of Friendship
Latest news about Khadzhimurat Gatsalov
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ITA (International Testing Agency)
ITA asserts anti-doping violation against Gatsalov
On 2025-05-21, the ITA announced that it has asserted an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) against Khadzhimurat Gatsalov under Article 2.2 (use or attempted use of a prohibited substance). The case is based on evidence from WADA investigations, the McLaren report, and Moscow laboratory LIMS data. Gatsalov is provisionally suspended pending resolution.
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ESPN / Associated Press
Ex-Olympic champ Gatsalov formally charged with doping
On 2025-05-21, it was reported that former Olympic gold medalist Khadzhimurat Gatsalov has been charged with doping related to a sample from 2015 that showed ipamorelin. The ITA's assertion includes prohibitions on his coaching or official roles during the provisional suspension.
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Inside The Games
Russian wrestling coach Gatsalov suspended from head coach role
On 2025-05-19, reports indicate that Khadzhimurat Gatsalov was temporarily removed from his position as head coach of the Russian freestyle wrestling team amid the doping charges. The Russian Wrestling Federation (RWF) made the decision following the assertion of the anti-doping violation.
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United World Wrestling
Gatsalov praises Russian team after Euros, eyes tougher Worlds
On 2025-04-24, Gatsalov, serving as coach at the European Championships in Bratislava, reflected on Russia's performance (5 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) and expressed his intention to better prepare for the 2025 World Championships. He emphasized technical and physical improvements ahead of global competition.
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Inside The Games
Gatsalov applauds Russia's strong European results
On 2025-04-14, Gatsalov publicly expressed satisfaction with Russia's performance at the 2025 European Wrestling Championships, citing the team's medal haul and asserting the strength of the athletes under his coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions about Khadzhimurat Gatsalov
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Who is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov is a Russian freestyle wrestler and Olympic champion, best known for winning the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games and multiple world titles.
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When was Khadzhimurat Gatsalov born?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov was born on 1982-10-01 in North Ossetia-Alania, Russia.
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What is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov famous for?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov is famous for his achievements in freestyle wrestling, including winning the Olympic gold medal in 2004 and multiple world championships.
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Which Olympic Games did Khadzhimurat Gatsalov compete in?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where he won the gold medal in the 96 kg freestyle wrestling category.
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How many world championships did Khadzhimurat Gatsalov win?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov won five World Wrestling Championship titles during his career, demonstrating his dominance in the sport.
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What weight classes did Khadzhimurat Gatsalov compete in?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov competed in the 96 kg and later heavyweight categories, showcasing versatility across different weight classes.
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Where is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov from?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov is from North Ossetia-Alania, a region in Russia known for producing world-class wrestlers.
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Did Khadzhimurat Gatsalov win any European championships?
Yes, Khadzhimurat Gatsalov won the European Wrestling Championships in 2010, adding to his international success.
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Is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov in the International Wrestling Hall of Fame?
Yes, Khadzhimurat Gatsalov was inducted into the International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018 for his outstanding achievements.
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What is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov's nationality?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov is Russian, representing Russia in international wrestling competitions throughout his career.
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What is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov's wrestling style?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov specialized in freestyle wrestling, known for his technical precision and powerful performances.
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When did Khadzhimurat Gatsalov retire?
While Khadzhimurat Gatsalov competed actively through the 2010s, he later transitioned away from competition and focused on coaching and wrestling development.
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When was Khadzhimurat Gatsalov born?
Born on October 1, 1982
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What is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov best known for?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov is known as a Freestyle wrestler from Europe.
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How old is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov is 43 years old.
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What is Khadzhimurat Gatsalov’s Twitter?
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov’s Twitter is @HGatsalov