Monument to three-time Olympic champion Aleksandr Medved unveiled in Minsk

On 16 September, what would have been the legendary wrestler’s birthday, a solemn ceremony was held at his burial site to unveil the new monument.

Head of Belarus’ NOC Viktor Lukashenko, Minsk Mayor Vladimir Kukharev, senior officials from the Sports Ministry, the wrestling federation, the wider athletic community, and numerous admirers of Aleksandr Medved’s talent gathered to pay tribute to the great master and preserve his legacy for future generations.

Viktor Lukashenko emphasized that Aleksandr Medved was a legendary figure who serves as a role model for many generations, not just in sports but in life as well.

“He loved when many people gathered, he loved to chat. He is a legend not only of domestic but also of world sport. It is symbolic that we have gathered on Aleksandr Medved’s birthday. It has been two years since he left us, but his memory will live on for many, many years to come. In sports, he was a great athlete and a wise mentor who taught others how to win and how to conduct themselves with integrity, both on the mat and in life. He had a way of explaining things concisely and accurately in simple words – how to act and what to do in any given situation to always remain a decent human being and a true gentleman. The entire athletic community participated in creating this monument, with everyone contributing a part of themselves to pay tribute and express gratitude to Aleksandr Medved for his immense contribution. May the memory of this great man live on forever! He taught us how to win, and we will follow his legacy,” President of Belarus’ NOC Viktor Lukashenko said.

Minsk Mayor Vladimir Kukharev noted that the memory of the three-time Olympic champion must be preserved by future generations.

“The tournament in memory of Aleksandr Medved gathers hundreds of young athletes. The new generation learns from his example and his victories. The achievements of this great athlete prove that strength and hard work lead to the highest results. He must remain a guiding light for our youth. I want to remember Aleksandr Medved as someone who could always help and support you in a difficult moment. We miss him deeply today. This monument is our shared duty, a guarantee that future generations will remember him,” Vladimir Kukharev said.

Chairman of the Belarusian Wrestling Federation Alim Selimov added that the wrestling community has always valued Aleksandr Medved’s advice, as he remained dedicated to his beloved sport until his final days. The unveiling of the monument was welcomed by the international wrestling community, with President of United World Wrestling (UWW) Nenad Lalovic conveying words of support during a phone call.

The monument is cast in bronze on a gray granite pedestal, created by sculptor Konstantin Kostyuchenko. The master successfully captured the renowned wrestler’s signature smile and distinctive profile, embodying the image of a true sporting legend.

Aleksandr Medved was an Olympic freestyle wrestling champion in multiple weight classes, a seven-time world champion, a four-time European champion, and a nine-time Soviet Union champion. For a long time, he served as vice president of Belarus’ NOC. In 2001, he was named Belarus’ greatest athlete of the 20th century, and in 2005, he was inducted into the International Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Photos by the NOC of Belarus