Wrestling News: Roman Vlasov is considered amongst the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers to have come from Russia. The 29-year-old wrestler has won every medal be it the world championship or the Olympics. He built a reputation for being one of the strongest in the Russian weight room. He has used that strength on many occasions to launch opponents in his numerous world and continental performances. But just like in movies there is always a back story behind every successful man and Vlasov is no different. His story was full of struggles, sacrifices and learning wrestling from the best.
Early years — Hardship and introduction to wrestling
Vlasov story of hardship began when he was two. His father had left the family and therefore mother had work in three jobs to make a living. During this time, the family condition was very poor as there was not enough money to even eat. But his mother was determined to make something out of her son. She took him to the wrestling coaching centre of Viktor Kuznetsov and it is from there Vlasov’s life changed.
Teenage years — The Karelin prize and shoulder injury
He came into highlight after winning the Karelin prize at a national tournament. But a shoulder fracture kept him out for long. Doctors had advised him to leave the sport as it will be dangerous for him but the determination to prove his mettle helped Vlasov make a comeback. He went on to win the Karelin prize two more times before being called for the national team.
Senior years — Two Olympic and in search for the third
Vlasov made his international debut under the Soviet flag in 2006 at the cadets European Championships. He won the gold medal in it and from there began the journey for his first Olympic medal. In 2012 at the London Games, he tasted the Olympic glory for the first time. He liked it so much that went on to win his second Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games. The wrestler is in search for his third Olympic medal with which he will equal Karelin and Cuba’s Mijain Lopez’s three Olympic gold tally. But in order to do it, he still has to qualify for the Tokyo Games. He failed to do so at the 2019 worlds where he finished eighth. If he can take care of business at European or World Olympic qualifiers, and then in Japan, he will become the third Greco-Roman wrestler to win three golds.