WrestlerOlympic medalistPoliticianSoviet

Roman Rurua

Roman Rurua is a Georgian Greco-Roman wrestler, 1968 Olympic gold medalist, four-time world champion, former member of parliament, and FILA Hall of Fame inductee.

1. Overview

Roman Vladimirovich Rurua (რომან ვლადიმერის ძე რურუაRoman Vladimieris dze RuruaGeorgian, Роман Владимирович РуруаRoman Vladimirovich RuruaRussian, born November 25, 1942) is a distinguished former Greco-Roman wrestler and a prominent public figure from Georgia. He achieved significant success in his wrestling career, winning a silver medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Between 1966 and 1970, he remained undefeated internationally, securing four consecutive world titles. Following his retirement from competitive wrestling in 1972 due to a back injury, Rurua transitioned into diverse professional and civic roles. He pursued a career as an engineer after graduating from the Georgian Polytechnic Institute. His commitment to social progress and democratic development in Georgia was evident through his co-founding of the political organization "Sporting Georgia" in 1988 and his subsequent service as a member of parliament in the Parliament of Georgia from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, he contributed to sports administration as the vice-president of the Georgian Wrestling Federation. In recognition of his enduring legacy in the sport, Rurua was inducted into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010.

2. Early Life and Background

Roman Rurua was born on November 25, 1942, in the village of Mukhurcha, located within the Martvili Municipality in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of the then Georgian SSR, part of the Soviet Union. He later pursued higher education, graduating from the prestigious Georgian Polytechnic Institute in 1972, which laid the foundation for his professional life beyond sports.

3. Wrestling Career

Roman Rurua was a formidable Greco-Roman wrestler, known for his exceptional skill and dominance in the featherweight and later lightweight categories. Standing 65 in (165 cm) tall, he competed for the Soviet Union and was a member of the Kolmeurne Tbilisi club. His competitive period saw him achieve significant milestones at both domestic and international levels, establishing him as one of the most decorated wrestlers of his era.

3.1. Olympic Games

Rurua's Olympic career was marked by two significant medal-winning performances. He participated in the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, where he earned a silver medal in the Greco-Roman featherweight (139 lb (63 kg)) division. Four years later, at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, he achieved the pinnacle of his Olympic ambitions by winning the gold medal in the same 139 lb (63 kg) Greco-Roman category.

Rurua at the 1968 Olympics
Rurua at the 1968 Olympics

3.2. World Championships

Between 1966 and 1970, Roman Rurua was an unstoppable force on the international stage, remaining undefeated and securing four consecutive world titles. His victories include:

  • 1966 World Championships in Toledo: Gold medal in the 139 lb (63 kg) category.
  • 1967 World Championships in Bucharest: Gold medal in the 139 lb (63 kg) category.
  • 1969 World Championships in Mar del Plata: Gold medal in the 137 lb (62 kg) category.
  • 1970 World Championships in Edmonton: Gold medal in the 150 lb (68 kg) category.

His streak of success came to an end at the 1971 World Championships, where he sustained a back injury during the competition and consequently placed sixth.

3.3. Domestic Competitions

Domestically, Roman Rurua was a consistent champion, winning multiple Soviet titles in various weight divisions. His victories in Soviet national wrestling competitions occurred in:

  • 1963
  • 1964
  • 1965
  • 1967
  • 1970
  • 1971

3.4. Retirement from Wrestling

Roman Rurua retired from competitive wrestling in 1972. This decision was primarily influenced by a significant back injury he sustained at the 1971 World Championships, which impacted his ability to compete at the elite level.

4. Post-Wrestling Career

After concluding his illustrious wrestling career, Roman Rurua embarked on a diverse and impactful journey, transitioning into the fields of engineering, politics, and sports administration. These endeavors demonstrated his commitment to contributing to Georgian society beyond the wrestling mat.

4.1. Engineering Profession

Following his graduation from the Georgian Polytechnic Institute in 1972, Roman Rurua channeled his academic knowledge into a professional career as an engineer. This marked a significant shift from his athletic pursuits to a technical profession.

4.2. Political Engagement

Rurua's commitment to public service and the development of his homeland was further solidified through his political engagement. In 1988, he played a crucial role in co-founding "Sporting Georgia," a political organization. This involvement marked the beginning of his active participation in the political landscape of post-Soviet Georgia, a period characterized by the nation's efforts to establish a democratic framework and foster social progress. From 1999 to 2003, Roman Rurua served as an elected member of the Parliament of Georgia. During his tenure, he contributed to the legislative process, aiming to uphold democratic principles and improve the well-being of the Georgian people, reflecting a dedication to civic life and the advancement of a more open society.

4.3. Sports Administration

Beyond his political and engineering careers, Roman Rurua remained connected to the world of sports, taking on significant administrative roles. He notably served as the vice-president of the Georgian Wrestling Federation. In this capacity, he utilized his extensive experience and knowledge of the sport to contribute to its development and governance within Georgia.

5. Legacy and Recognition

Roman Rurua's legacy extends far beyond his competitive achievements, encompassing his contributions to wrestling and his civic engagements. He is remembered as one of Georgia's most distinguished athletes and a figure who dedicated himself to both athletic excellence and public service.

5.1. Hall of Fame Induction

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Greco-Roman wrestling and his enduring impact on the sport, Roman Rurua was inducted into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010. This prestigious honor cemented his place among the sport's greatest legends, acknowledging his remarkable career and the indelible mark he left on the history of wrestling.