Dubai: Wrestler Akhmed Tajzhudinov capped a memorable Paris 2024 Olympics for Bahrain by winning gold in the 97kg category. The 21-year-old was unstoppable, demolishing illustrious names in the wrestling world to give Bahrain its first wrestling gold in Olympic history, bringing the country’s total to four medals in the just-concluded Games.
“Winning a gold medal at the Olympics is not just about standing on the podium; it’s about the years of dedication that I have put in to achieve this dream,” Tajzhudinov told Gulf News. “This victory is a testament to the grit and determination that defines our sport. Wrestling teaches resilience, discipline, and the importance of pushing the limits. I hope my journey inspires aspiring wrestlers to chase their dreams with the same passion and tenacity.”
In an impressive show of tenacity, Tajzhudinov completed his giant-killing act by defeating Kyle Snyder of the US in an exciting semi-final match, winning 6-4 to showcase his potential in the wrestling world. He then overcame the experienced Georgian Givi Matcharashvili to clinch the top medal at the Paris Games.
Journey to Olympic gold
The Bahraini had previously defeated all-time great and his mentor Abdulrashid Sadulaev, handing the Russian his first loss since the 2017 World Championship finals, en route to the World Championship title. This victory in Paris enabled the Russian-born wrestler to complete a unique triple of Asian, World, and Olympic titles for Bahrain in the last two years.
“I had a year of training, and I was very focused,” Tajzhudinov said after the fight, before thanking his team who supported his journey to Olympic gold. “Without my coaches and everyone else supporting me, I wouldn’t be here.”
Tajzhudinov is only the second wrestler from Bahrain to ever compete at the Olympic Games, following in the footsteps of Adam Batirov, who took part in the 2016 Rio Games.
Bahrain’s medal haul in Paris 2024
Salwa Eid Naser won the silver medal in the women’s 400-metre race with a time of 48.53 seconds, securing Bahrain’s second medal after Winfred Yavi clinched gold in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Gor Minasyan won bronze in the over 102kg weightlifting category, bringing Bahrain its third medal before Tajzhudinov clinched the fourth medal and second gold.
Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, the reigning world champion, surged home in 48.17 seconds, with Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser taking silver in 48.53 seconds, and Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek earning bronze in 48.98 seconds.
The 27-year-old Paulino’s time bettered the previous Olympic record of 48.25 seconds set by France’s Marie-Jose Perec at the 1996 Atlanta Games. The Dominican was always in control after blasting out of the blocks, with only 2019 world champion Naser offering resistance.
“To represent Bahrain on the Olympic stage and to bring home a silver medal is an honour beyond words. This medal is not just mine; it belongs to every person who has supported me, cheered for me, and believed in me. I thank you from the depth of my heart,” Naser told Gulf News. “This silver medal is just the beginning. I’m excited to continue pushing my limits and making Bahrain proud in future competitions.”
