Alexander Fedorov

Alexander Fedorov, a turner at the Uralmash plant, won all his great victories, literally between the work shifts. He came to sambo at the mature enough age. In 1973, at the historic first World Championship in Tehran, he rocked the world. In the final, Fedorov twice (that is a unique case!) had to fight against Iranian Jovadi, the favorite wrestler of Shakh Reza Pekhveli who was present in the competition hall among his supporters. One painful hold, brilliantly performed by Fedorov, was not enough for the Shah to acknowledge the victory of the Russian sambo wrestler. Fedorov had to come out on the mat again and break the other hand of poor Jovadi. Therefore, Alexander Fedorov took not only the gold medal from Tehran, but also a gold watch – a gift from his new fan…the Shah of Iran.

His phenomenal technique, crushing painful holds have long been classics of the genre. He was feared by his opponents and adored by the audience. More than one generation of boys grew up on his example and joined sambo only because they wanted to be "like Fedorov". He was respected for his courage, character, strength of mind and willpower. He was an outstanding fighter on the mat and no less outstanding outside it. When Alexander Fedorov passed away in 2006, the sambo world became desolate in a moment...

Memories of Alexander Fedorov and his contribution to the development of Russian Sambo are immortalized in the All-Russian Team Tournament in his memory, which has been held in the Sverdlovsk region since 2011.

Landmark achievements

• World Champion (1973) 
• European Champion (1972)