Artur Borisovich Taymazov entered the 2000 Sydney Olympics as an amateur wrestler, securing Uzbekistan's first wrestling medal in the 130 kg category. Born in 1979 in Nogir, the ethnic Ossetian navigated a career spanning multiple nations, later transitioning from international sport into a political career within the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
Early Athletic Development
Initial sporting pursuits for Taymazov involved weightlifting during childhood. At age 11, he shifted focus to freestyle wrestling following the opening of a club in his village. He was educated at Khetagurov North Ossetian State University. His brother, Tymur Taymazov, provided a template for elite competition as a 1996 Olympic champion in weightlifting.
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Taymazov secured a silver medal in Sydney in 2000 before winning gold in the 120 kg class at the 2004 Athens Games. He subsequently claimed victories in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. However, retesting of samples in 2016 and 2019 resulted in disqualification from both the 2008 and 2012 events due to prohibited substance violations. Despite these removals, he expressed satisfaction in his contribution to Russian sport, as the medals were re-allocated to Russian competitors.
Political Transition and Sanctions
Following his wrestling career, Taymazov moved into politics. He was elected to the 7th State Duma of the Russian Federation in 2016 and subsequently served in the 8th State Duma, representing the North Ossetia constituency for the United Russia party.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Nogir
- Citizenship: Russia, Uzbekistan
- Education: Khetagurov North Ossetian State University
- Political Position: Member of the State Duma
- Awards: Order of El-yurt hurmati, Order of Outstanding Merit, Order of Honor
- Family: Son Arsen Taimazov is an ice hockey player
Questions readers ask
What happened to his Olympic gold medals?
He was disqualified from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games due to drug violations discovered during sample retesting, and the medals were withdrawn.
Which political body does he represent?
He has served as a member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation since 2016.
Achievements
- Order of Outstanding Merit — 2008
- Order of El-yurt hurmati — 2012
- Order of Honor
- Competed at 2002 Asian Games, 2006 Asian Games and 2010 Asian Games
- Discipline: wrestling
