Besik Kudukhov
(15.08.1986 - 29.12.2013)
Two time Olympic medalist (2008, 2012)
Four time free-style wrestling world champion (2007, 2009, 2010,
2011)
Silver medalist at the world championship 2006, European champion
2007 ã.
Golden medallist at the I.Jarygin's International tournament 2007 ã.
weight category – 55 & 60 êg.
B.Kudukhov was born in Tskhiloni, South Ossetia. Started wrestling in 1995. Since 2005 - in Russian National team.
Besik Kudukhov vs Michail Dzhaparidze (Canada), world championship 2007, Baku.
Besik graduated from the North Ossetian State University, specialising in Phisical culture. He lives in Beslan, North Ossetia. Coach -Valentin Gozoev
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Tragedy in Armavir
Besik Kudukhov, once the reigning pound for pound best wrestler in the world, passed away today after an auto accident. Kudukhov, wrestling for Russia, won 4 Senior-level freestyle wrestling world titles, and two Olympic medals.
This morning, four time world freestyle wrestling champion and two time Olympic medalist for the Russian Fedearation, Besik Kudukhov succumbed to injuries from a car accident, and passed away at the age of 27.
With Kudukhov's tragic death, the world of wrestling loses one of its giants. From 2009 to 2011, Kudukhov won three straight world championships at 60kg, and much of the wrestling world viewed him as the pound for pound greatest in the world. Kudukhov also might own the title as history's greatest wrestler to never win Olympic gold. As the defending world champion in 2008, he won bronze in Beijing at 55kg after suffering a shocking upset in the semifinals to the eventual silver medalist. In the 2012 London Games, he won silver after advancing to the gold medal finals only to lose to Azerbaijan's Toghrul Asgarov, who himself appears well on his way to a legendary career.
At his best, which was most of this century, Kudukhov moved about the mat with unequaled grace, equal parts bull and matador, capable of flattening opponents with irresistible aggression, or clinically dispatching them with subtle redirection. His most memorable moment probably came at the conclusion of his 2010 world finals match against Ukraine's Vasyl Fedoryshyn (below), where Kudukhov slips out of a leg clinch, and after a dramatic flurry, trips Fedoryshyn to his back to win the world championship.
Today, Olympic wrestling fans feel the pain of the loss of one of its true stars, and Kudukhov's native Ossetia mourns the departure of one of its favorite sons. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kudukhov's friends and family.
The Mats
29.12.2013
From assorted news sources
Russian freestyle wrestling star Besik Kudukhov, 27, was killed in an automobile accident on Sunday. Kudukhov won four World titles and two Olympic medals for Russia.
The tragedy happened on a federal highway near Armavir, as the wrestler was traveling from Vladikavkaz to Krasnodar, and his car collided with a truck, according to information provided by the Russian wrestling federation.
“I can not believe what happened. I even do not dare to talk about Besik in the past tense. I knew it from the first day on the team. He practically grew up in my arms. We have bright memories of him,” said Russian Wrestling Federation President Mikhail Mamiashvili.
Kudukhov won World titles in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011, starting his career at 55 kg, then jumping to 60 kg in 2009. He was an Olympic bronze medalist at 55 kg in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and an Olympic silver medalist at 60 kg at the 2012 London Olympics.
“Besik Kuduhov was an outstanding athlete, kind, cheerful and energetic young man. It is unbearably painful to talk about him in the past tense. This is a huge loss for Russian sport. On behalf of the Ministry of Sport and personally bring our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the Besik Kudukhov,” said Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko.
Kudukhov was one of the world’s best wrestlers at a young age, winning a Junior World title in 2005 at 19 years old, then winning a World silver medal on the Senior level at 2006 at the age of 20.
According to Reuters, Kudukhov was scheduled to be a torchbearer for the Sochi Winter Olympics just three days prior to the Opening Ceremonies.
Kudukhov was respected by his fellow wrestlers worldwide, including those from the United States, who shared these tweets this morning
Shawn Bunch@BunchTheGreat
He was one of the greatest wrestlers That i ever competed against train with and spend time with he will be missed RIP Besik Kuduhov
Andy Hrovat@AndyHrovat1h
I'm sad and shocked this morning. Besik was a great friend, a father, and a legend. He taught me so much while I lived there.
Jake Herbert@Jakeherbert84
Kudukhov was a friend of @AndyHrovat took me and @rayjwrestle out for his birthday dinner as one of his own wrestlers/friends. He is missed
Brandon Slay@CoachSlay41m
Russia's 4X World champion & Olympic medalist Besik Kudukhov killed in auto accident. we lost a wrestling GREAT!
Raymond Jordan@rayjwrestle
he will be missed very much. Great wrestler and an even better person!
Travis Paulson@TP2USA2
R.I.P. Bezik Kudukokov one of the best wrestlers I've ever watched compete. Was still in his prime at 27. Sad!
BESIK KUDUKHOV, Russia
Four-time World champion (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011)… 2012 Olympic silver medalist… 2008 Olympic bronze medalist… 2006 World silver medalist… 2005 Junior World champion… 2007 European champion… 2006 and 2010 World Cup champion… 2003 European Junior champion… Born: August 15, 1986… Died December 29, 2013
The winner of the world championship 2007, Besik Kudukhov (second at the left)
