1. Overview
Sagid Magomedovich Murtazaliev (Сагид Магомедович МуртазалиевSagid Magomedovich MurtazalievRussian) (СагIид МагIамедович МуртазгIалиевSag'id Mag'amedovich Murtazg'alievAvaric) is a notable figure from Russia, recognized for his distinguished career as a freestyle wrestler and later for his involvement in politics. Born in 1974 in Makhachkala, then part of the Dagestan ASSR in the Soviet Union, Murtazaliev achieved significant international success in wrestling, culminating in a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics and a world championship title in 1999. Following his athletic career, he transitioned into public service, holding various administrative and legislative roles within the Dagestan region, including heading a district and a branch of the Russian Pension Fund, and serving as a deputy in the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Dagestan for the United Russia party. However, his public life was later overshadowed by serious legal controversies, leading to criminal charges related to financing terrorism and suspicion in connection with several murders, resulting in his status as a wanted person and his subsequent departure from Russia.
2. Early Life and Background
Sagid Magomedovich Murtazaliev was born on March 11, 1974, in Makhachkala, the capital of the Dagestan ASSR, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He is of Avar descent, an ethnic group indigenous to the Caucasus region, primarily inhabiting Dagestan.
3. Wrestling Career
Sagid Murtazaliev built a distinguished career as a freestyle wrestler, participating in and achieving significant success in major international competitions, representing both Ukraine and Russia.
3.1. Major Achievements
Murtazaliev's most notable successes include gold medals at the 1999 FILA Wrestling World Championships in Ankara and the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He specialized in the heavyweight categories, specifically the 97 kg division. Beyond these premier titles, he also secured a gold medal at the European Championships in 2000, and bronze medals at the European Championships in both 1995 and 1996, highlighting his consistent performance at the elite level of the sport.
3.2. Olympic Participation
Murtazaliev made two appearances at the Olympic Games. He first represented Ukraine (Сагід Магомедович МуртазалієвSahid Mahomedovych MurtazaliyevUkrainian) at the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta. Later, he competed for Russia at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where he achieved his most significant athletic triumph. In Sydney, he won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 97 kg competition, solidifying his status as an Olympic champion.
3.3. Medal Return Protest
In 2013, Sagid Murtazaliev made a public statement by returning his Olympic gold medal to the IOC. This action was a form of protest against the IOC's decision to temporarily remove wrestling from the core program of the Summer Olympic Games. His protest joined a broader movement among wrestlers and federations worldwide who advocated for the sport's reinstatement.
4. Political Career
Following his successful wrestling career, Sagid Murtazaliev transitioned into the political arena, holding various significant roles within the public administration and legislative sectors in the Dagestan region of Russia.
4.1. Early Involvement
Murtazaliev's initial foray into public life was marked by an incident in 2001 when a bomb was discovered near his home in Kizlyar, a city in Dagestan. This event brought him into public attention beyond his athletic achievements. Additionally, a charitable foundation was established and named after Sagid Murtazaliev, aiming to support various public initiatives, including the development of sports in the Kizlyarsky District of Dagestan.
4.2. Administrative and Legislative Roles
Sagid Murtazaliev held several prominent administrative and legislative positions. He served as the head of Kizlyarsky District in Dagestan. On April 12, 2010, he was appointed as the head of the Dagestan branch of the Russian Pension Fund, a significant public finance role. Furthermore, Murtazaliev became a deputy representing the United Russia party in the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Dagestan, commencing his tenure around April 2011. In these roles, he was expected to address the problems of the people and contribute to regional development.
5. Personal Life
Sagid Murtazaliev is married and has five children. Details about his family life are not extensively publicized, but his commitment to his family is noted.
6. Legal Issues and Exile
In 2015, Sagid Murtazaliev became the subject of serious legal problems when the prosecution office in Russia opened a criminal case against him. He was charged with financing terrorism and also became a suspect in connection with a number of murders. The specific details of these accusations have not been fully disclosed in public records, but they led to a significant legal pursuit by Russian authorities. Consequently, Murtazaliev left Russia and is currently a wanted person by the prosecution, indicating an ongoing legal status that prevents his return to the country.
7. Legacy and Public Perception
Sagid Murtazaliev's legacy is complex, marked by both remarkable athletic achievements and significant later controversies. His contributions to sports are undeniable; he stands as an Olympic gold medalist and a world champion in freestyle wrestling, bringing international acclaim to himself and his country. His transition into public service and his involvement in political and administrative roles in Dagestan initially suggested a continued commitment to public contribution. However, the severe criminal charges brought against him in 2015 for financing terrorism and alleged involvement in murders have profoundly shaped his public perception, casting a long shadow over his earlier accomplishments. As a figure now wanted by Russian authorities and living in exile, his public image remains tarnished by these serious accusations, leading to a critical assessment of his overall impact and influence.