A gold medal in the men's 97 kg freestyle wrestling event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris solidified the standing of Akhmed Tazhudinov within his sport. Born in 2003 in Gergebil, Russia, he transitioned from the Russian national circuit to represent Bahrain, quickly ascending to the top tier of international competition as a specialist in the 97 kg weight class.
Early Career and National Transition
Tazhudinov began his competitive wrestling career within the Russian system, securing a bronze medal at the 2022 Russian Wrestling Championships. In the autumn of 2022, he shifted his national affiliation to Bahrain. His debut for his new country occurred in November 2022 at the Dinmuhamed Kunayev Memorial International Tournament in Taraz, Kazakhstan, where he claimed the tournament title. Shortly after this victory, he secured a win at the Arab Championships held in Egypt.
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In 2023, Tazhudinov established his dominance at the continental and world levels. On 13 April 2023, he competed in Astana at the Asian Wrestling Championships, defeating Habila Awusayiman of China to earn the title. Later that year, on 19 September, he achieved his first Senior World gold medal. His route to this victory included a 10–0 win against Kyle Snyder and a victory over Abdulrashid Sadulaev, who withdrew from the bout due to a neck injury. In the final, he defeated Magomedkhan Magomedov.
Olympic Victory and Subsequent Medical Challenges
The pinnacle of his performance arrived at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, where he earned the gold medal in the 97 kg category. Following the tournament, he sought medical intervention for a separated AC joint in his right shoulder. He had sustained this injury weeks prior while attending a training camp in Belarus. His competitive record continued in 2025 with a first-place finish at the Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial Tournament and a third-place finish at the World Championships.
Fast facts
- Born: 2003, Gergebil
- Citizenship: Russia, Bahrain
- Weight Class: 97 kg
- 2024 Summer Olympics: Gold medal
- 2023 World Championships: Gold medal
- 2023 Asian Championships: Gold medal
- Languages: Russian
Questions readers ask
Which countries has Akhmed Tazhudinov represented?
He competed for Russia domestically before switching his national affiliation to Bahrain in the autumn of 2022.
What major injury did he manage during the 2024 Olympic period?
He competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics with a separated AC joint in his right shoulder, which he had sustained at a training camp in Belarus.
Achievements
- Competed at 2022 Russian National Freestyle Wrestling Championships, 2023 Ibrahim Moustafa Tournament and wrestling at the 2022 Asian Games – men's freestyle 97 kg
- Discipline: wrestling
