Bulgaria has its first Olympic champion from the Olympic Games in Paris. Wrestler Semen Novikov won the final against Iranian opponent Alireza Mohmadipiani in men’s 87kg Greco-Roman style. 

Mohmadipiani is the world vice-champion in the category of up to 87 kg in Greco-Roman style. However, Novikov won with a decisive result of 7:0.

The previous Olympic title for Bulgaria in men's wrestling was brought by Armen Nazaryan 24 years ago from Sydney.

Semen Sergeevich Novikov was born in Kharkiv and until 2022 competed for Ukraine. In 2020, he became the European champion up to 87 kilograms, and at the World Championships in Belgrade in 2023, he won a bronze medal in the same category.

On August 8, 2024, he won a gold medal for Bulgaria in the category of up to 87 kilograms at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Photos: EPA/BGNES