Buvaisar Saitiev, Legendary Three-Time Olympic Champion, Passes Away at 49

Buvaisar Saitiev, widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time, has passed away at the age of 49. His death was first reported by the Russian news agency TASS, with confirmation from Mikhail Mamiashvili, head of the Russian Wrestling Federation, on Sunday. The initial report stated that Saitiev died in Moscow, though the cause of death remains unknown.

Saitiev's legendary career was acclaimed, including three Olympic gold medals and six World Championship titles in freestyle wrestling. A native of Dagestan, he left home to train in Siberia, where he honed his skills before making an explosive debut on the international stage. His dominance was evident initially, as he secured his first Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, defeating American wrestling legend Kenny Monday.

Despite his dominance, Saitiev experienced a rare setback at the 2000 Olympics, suffering an upset loss to Brandon Slay of the United States, which eliminated him from the tournament. Slay eventually took home gold after his opponent in the final tested positive for steroids.

Saitiev responded in legendary fashion at the 2004 Olympics, steamrolling his opponents by an astonishing combined score of 32-5, including a flawless 15-0 shutout in the final two matches. His final Olympic appearance came in 2008, where he once again showcased his superiority, securing another gold medal to cement his legacy.

During an incredible 13-year run, Saitiev competed in the Olympics and World Championships a total of 11 times, suffering only two losses while claiming nine gold medals. His impact on the sport was undeniable, inspiring generations of wrestlers across the world.