WrestlerRomanianRussianOlympic Medalist

Albert Saritov

Albert Saritov is a Russian-born freestyle wrestler representing Romania who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and multiple international championships.

1. Overview

Albert Ramazanovich Saritov (Альберт Рамазанович СаритовAlbert Ramazanovich SaritovRussian) is a prominent Russian-born freestyle wrestler who represents Romania internationally. Born on July 8, 1985, in Khasavyurt, which is located in the Dagestan region of the Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, he is of Chechen descent. Saritov later underwent a process of naturalization to become a citizen of Romania, which enabled him to represent the country in international wrestling competitions. Known for his powerful technique, he has achieved significant success in various weight categories, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and multiple medals at other major international and continental championships. His career reflects a journey that began in Russia, where he affiliated with the renowned Mindiashvili wrestling academy, distinguishing him as a notable figure in the sport. Throughout his professional career, he competed in various weight classes, initially achieving success in the 84 kg category before moving up to the 97 kg division for major international competitions. His career progression saw him participate in numerous prestigious tournaments, solidifying his reputation as a formidable opponent in the sport.

2. Career

Saritov's competitive career is marked by consistent performances at the highest levels of international wrestling, earning him multiple medals in both major championships and other significant tournaments, highlighting his prowess across various weight divisions.

2.1. Major international competitions

Saritov has consistently performed at the highest levels of international wrestling, earning medals in some of the sport's most prestigious events.

The Olympic Rings, symbolizing the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Rings, symbolizing the Olympic Games.

At the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saritov secured a bronze medal in the men's freestyle 97 kg event. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, placing him among the elite wrestlers on the global stage. Earlier in his career, at the 2011 World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, he earned a bronze medal in the men's freestyle 84 kg category. Demonstrating his continued competitive prowess, Saritov also clinched a silver medal at the 2020 European Wrestling Championships in Rome, Italy, competing in the men's freestyle 97 kg division.

2.2. Other tournaments and qualifications

In addition to his success at the Olympic Games and World Championships, Albert Saritov has a strong record in other significant wrestling tournaments. In 2014, he won a gold medal at the Ali Aliyev Memorial in Kaspiysk, Russia, competing in the 84 kg category. The same year, he earned a silver medal at the prestigious Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, also in the 84 kg class. In 2012, Saritov was the winner of the Ramzan Kadyrov & Adlan Varayev Cup, which was held in Grozny, Russia, again in the 84 kg division.

His consistent performance allowed him to qualify for future major competitions. In March 2021, Saritov competed at the 2021 European Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament in Budapest, Hungary. His performance there secured his spot to represent Romania at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

3. Personal life

Albert Saritov is a Muslim, which is a notable aspect of his personal life. Further details regarding his private life are not extensively publicized.

4. Controversies and criticisms

In November 2017, Albert Saritov was publicly accused of having links to terrorism. However, the specific details or outcomes of these accusations are not publicly elaborated in the provided sources.