Valentin Nikolayev

Valentin Nikolayev took up wrestling in 1945 and first came to prominence in 1951, when he won the Greco-Roman light-heavyweight title at the World Festival of Youth and Students, a feat he also repeated at the 1953 and 1955 edition of this international tournament. Nikolayev was the 1955 World Greco-Roman light-heavyweight champion and went to the 1956 Olympics as the favorite in this division, coming through by defeating all of his opponents by decision to win the gold medal. Domestically, Nikolayev was the Soviet Greco-Roman light-heavyweight champion in 1951 and 1954, while taking silver in 1953. After the 1956 Olympics, Nikolayev switched to heavyweight, but did not compete internationally in this class, winning only three silver medals (1957-59) at the Soviet Championships. After finishing his sporting career in 1960, Nikolayev worked as a wrestling coach and referee in his native Rostov on Don.