Russian freestyle wrestler Shamil Mamedov was included in the list of athletes who will participate in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. This is reported by the press service of the United World of Wrestling (UWW).
Mamedov performs in the weight category up to 65 kg. Earlier, the press service of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reported that Mamedov accepted an invitation to the Olympic Games. On July 6, the Russian Wrestling Federation reported that Russian wrestlers who received an IOC invitation refused to participate in the upcoming Olympics. Mamedov is the only wrestler who accepted the invitation to participate in the Olympic Games in a neutral status.
Last year, Shamil Mamedov became a bronze medalist at the World Championships, automatically receiving a license to the Olympics on behalf of the Russian team. After that, he became the Russian champion in the Olympic weight category up to 65 kg, finally securing his participation in the most prestigious tournament.
Many may think that such an act disrespects his country and team, but one can understand his decision. By the time of the next Olympic cycle Shamil will be 27 years old, and a lot can change by the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. For every athlete, the main dream is an Olympic gold medal, and Shamil has a chance to fulfill that dream.