1. Overview
Aleksey Vladimirovich Mishin (Алексей Владимирович МишинRussian; born February 8, 1979) is a Russian former Greco-Roman wrestler and an Olympic gold medalist. His distinguished career is marked by significant achievements, including a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a World Championship title in 2007, alongside numerous European Championship victories. Mishin's athletic journey exemplifies dedication and skill in the demanding sport of wrestling. However, his Olympic triumph in 2004 was overshadowed by allegations of referee misconduct and bribery, raising important questions about athletic integrity and the broader social impact of sports. Such controversies highlight the critical need for transparency and fairness in international competitions, underscoring the values of clean sport and ethical conduct.
2. Early Life and Background
Aleksey Mishin was born on February 8, 1979, in Ruzayevka, a town located in the Mordovian ASSR within the Soviet Union. He holds Russian citizenship and identifies with his Mordvin nationality. His hometown is Saransk, the capital of the Republic of Mordovia in Russia. Mishin stands at 5.8 ft (1.77 m) tall and competed at a weight of 187 lb (85 kg) during his career.
3. Wrestling Career
Aleksey Mishin pursued a professional career as a wrestler, specializing in the Greco-Roman wrestling style. He competed primarily in the 76 kg and 84 kg divisions throughout his career, achieving consistent success at both European and world levels. His dedication to the sport led him to become one of Russia's most decorated Greco-Roman wrestlers of his era. He was affiliated with the Aleksey Mishin Wrestling Academy, which likely also served as a training ground for his development.
3.1. Major Competition Results
Aleksey Mishin's career is highlighted by a remarkable collection of medals from major international wrestling competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships.
3.1.1. Olympic Games
Mishin's most significant achievement came at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. He secured a gold medal in the 84 kg Greco-Roman division. In the final match, he faced Ara Abrahamian of Sweden. The bout concluded with a score of 1-1, but Mishin was declared the winner due to having fewer passive points, a criterion used to determine the victor in a tie. This victory marked the pinnacle of his Olympic career.
3.1.2. World Championships
Mishin achieved considerable success at the World Wrestling Championships, earning a total of five medals throughout his career. He claimed one gold medal, two silver medals, and two bronze medals. His gold medal was won at the 2007 World Championships held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in the 84 kg category. He secured silver medals at the 2001 World Championships in Patras, Greece, competing in the 76 kg division, and at the 2005 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in the 84 kg category. Mishin also earned bronze medals at the 2006 World Championships in Guangzhou, China, and the 2010 World Championships in Moscow, Russia, both in the 84 kg division.
3.1.3. European Championships
Aleksey Mishin demonstrated consistent dominance at the European Wrestling Championships, accumulating an impressive seven gold medals and one silver medal. His gold medal victories include:
- 2001 European Wrestling Championships in Istanbul, Turkey (76 kg)
- 2003 European Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro (84 kg)
- 2005 European Wrestling Championships in Varna, Bulgaria (84 kg)
- 2007 European Wrestling Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria (84 kg)
- 2009 European Wrestling Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania (84 kg)
- 2013 European Wrestling Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia (84 kg)
His sole silver medal at the European Championships was earned at the 2010 event in Baku, Azerbaijan, also in the 84 kg category.
4. 2004 Olympic Final Controversy
The 84 kg Greco-Roman final at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where Aleksey Mishin won gold, was marred by significant controversy involving allegations of referee misconduct, bribery, and threats. Following the match, Pelle Svensson, a Swedish lawyer and the disciplinary committee chairman for the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA), accused Mikhail Mamiashvili, the president of the Russian Wrestling Federation, of signaling to the Romanian referee during the match.
Svensson alleged that when he confronted Mamiashvili about this purported violation, Mamiashvili threatened him, stating, "If you say anything more, death awaits you." These serious accusations cast a shadow over the integrity of the Olympic competition. Furthermore, it was later alleged that the Romanian referee involved in the match had received a bribe exceeding 15.00 M JPY (approximately 100.00 K USD). These allegations sparked considerable debate and concern within the international wrestling community regarding the fairness and transparency of the judging process at such high-stakes events.
5. Personal Life
Aleksey Mishin was in a relationship with Sofia Velikaya, a renowned Russian fencer who is both a world champion and an Olympic medalist. Their relationship spanned from 2008 to 2017. Together, they have two children: a son named Oleg, who was born on November 30, 2013, and a daughter named Zoya.
6. Coaches
Throughout his wrestling career, Aleksey Mishin was guided by several key coaches who contributed to his development and success. His coaches included Yuiri Kuzin and Alexander Tarakanov. These individuals played an instrumental role in shaping his technique and preparing him for the rigorous demands of international competition.