Soslan Andiyev

Soslan Andiyev was the dominant super-heavyweight freestyle wrestler of the 1970s. Gaining a spot on the Soviet wrestling team in 1973, he immediately impressed by defeating American giant Chris Taylor at a World Cup meet. His fame then only rose, as the tall North Ossetian won four World Championships (1973, 1975, 1977-78), two Olympic Games (1976, 1980) and three European Championships (1974-75, 1982). He also won the World Cup in 1976 and 1981 and silver at the 1974 World Championships and would have been a medal contender at the 1984 Olympics, had the Soviet not boycotted the Games. At the Soviet Championships, Andiyev won seven titles (1973-78, 1980). After finishing his sporting career, Andiyev worked as a wrestling coach in Vladikavkaz. From 1990-98, he was also vice-president of the Russian National Olympic Committee. Andiyev was inducted into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.