Georgia:Â The Georgian freestyle wrestling team, demonstrating their unwavering dedication, competed at the last Istanbul Olympic license tournament with three wrestlers (Robert Dingashvili, Avtandil Kenchadze, Vladimir Gamkrelidze). It was Vladimir Gamkrelidze who emerged victorious, securing the Paris Olympic Games ticket.
Vladimir Gamkrelidze (86 kg) was the only wrestler who successfully used the last chance to win the Paris Games. The World Cup silver and European Championship bronze medalist won easy victories on the way to the Olympic license against Switzerland, American Samoa, and Germany but lost in the semifinals to Bulgarian Magomed Ramazanov and the bronze medal, then continued to fight for the playoffs.Â
Gamkrelidze beat Moldovan Giorgi Rubaev for third place in the match and in the playoff, where he met the third-place Ukrainian Vasil Mikhailo, achieved the goal, won 8-2, and joined three team-mate licensees—Goderdzi Dzebashvili (65 kg), Givi Macharashvili (97 kg), and Geno Petriashvili (125 kg).
Givi Macharashvili and Geno Petriashvili, both seasoned wrestlers, have a history of success. Last year, they won bronze and silver medals, respectively, at the World Championship in Belgrade. These achievements demonstrate their skill and competitiveness.Â
Another team member, Goderdzi Dzebashvili (65 kg), earned his license in Baku at the last Olympic qualification tournament. This license is a testament to his ability and determination.
With their impressive performance, the Georgian freestyle wrestling team will now be represented on the Paris Olympic carpet by four athletes. This is a significant growth from the three athletes who competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games, showcasing the team’s potential for future success.
Vladimeri GamkrelidzeÂ
Vladimir Gamkrelidze is a Georgian freestyle wrestler. He was born on 11 June 2001. He won the silver medal in the men’s 79 kg event at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.
