34 Best Wrestling Players in Estonia of All Time

Liam Rooney

Welcome to the world of wrestling in Estonia! Here, you will get to know some of the best wrestling players that the country has to offer. Estonia is a small Baltic nation that has produced some of the strongest and most talented wrestlers in Europe.

From Olympic medalists to world champions, Estonia has made its mark on the international wrestling scene. In this article, we will explore the stories of some of the best Estonian wrestlers and what makes them so special. So, let’s get started!.

1. Kristjan Palusalu

Kristjan Palusalu was an Estonian heavyweight wrestler and Olympic gold medalist. He was the first and only wrestler in Olympic history to win both Greco-Roman and freestyle heavy-weight events.

Palusalu was a two-time Olympic champion, winning gold medals in both the 1932 Los Angeles and the 1936 Berlin games.

His accomplishments in the ring made him a national hero in Estonia, and he was even named the Estonian Sportsman of the Century in 2000. Palusalu was born in 1908 in Tartu, Estonia, and started his wrestling career at the age of 15.

He quickly rose to prominence in the sport, and by the time he was 24 he was already a three-time Estonian wrestling champion. He also competed in the 1928 Amsterdam games but failed to medal.

However, just four years later he achieved his greatest success, winning gold medals in both the Greco-Roman and freestyle heavyweight events at the Los Angeles games.

He followed this up with another gold medal in the Greco-Roman event at the 1936 Berlin Games. Palusalu’s accomplishment was remarkable, as no other wrestler in Olympic history has ever won both Greco-Roman and freestyle events in the same games.

His achievements in the ring earned him nationwide recognition in Estonia, and he was even named the Estonian Sportsman of the Century in 2000. Palusalu died in 1957, but his legacy as an Olympic champion will never be forgotten.

2. Voldemar Väli

Voldemar Väli was an Estonian athlete who achieved a remarkable accolade in his lifetime: two Olympic medals in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Väli won his first medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, when he won the bronze medal in the heavyweight freestyle wrestling competition.

He then went on to win a silver medal in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, when he competed in the Greco-Roman wrestling category. Väli was a dedicated athlete, winning numerous medals in various wrestling competitions, including the European and World Championships.

He also won several Estonian wrestling championships during his career.

He was one of the most successful wrestlers of his time, and his achievements set him apart from his peers. Väli’s legacy lives on today, as he is remembered as an outstanding athlete who achieved a great deal in his lifetime.

He was an inspiration to other Estonian athletes, and his legacy remains a source of pride for his country. Väli’s accomplishments will be remembered for generations to come, and he will always be remembered as a great Estonian athlete.

3. August Kippasto

August Johannes Kippasto was an accomplished athlete in the early 1900s. He was born in Russia but eventually became an Estonian citizen.

His fame came from his prowess in wrestling, which he demonstrated by competing for the Russian Empire at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm.

Kippasto was one of the first Estonian athletes to compete in the Olympics, and he left an enduring legacy in the history of Estonia. Kippasto was born in 1883 and grew up in Russia. His family moved to Estonia when he was a teenager, and he eventually settled there.

He took up wrestling and quickly became well-known for his skill, which led to his selection to compete in the 1912 Olympics.

He was the only wrestler from Estonia to compete in the games, making him a pioneer in Estonian sports. Kippasto was unfortunately eliminated in the first round of the freestyle wrestling tournament, but his participation was a major moment in Estonian sports history.

He was the first Estonian athlete to compete in the Olympics, and his legacy paved the way for future Estonian athletes to follow in his footsteps. Kippasto passed away in 1951, but his memory lives on in Estonian sports history.

4. Osvald Käpp

Osvald Käpp was an Estonian wrestler of great renown. He was an expert in both freestyle and Greco-Roman lightweight wrestling events and was a three-time Olympic athlete. He competed in the 1924, 1928, and 1932 Summer Olympics and was victorious in the 1928 freestyle event.

He was also given the honor of being the flag bearer for Estonia in the 1932 Olympics. Käpp was a dedicated athlete who took part in many international competitions throughout his career. His commitment and hard work paid off when he won the freestyle event in the 1928 Olympics.

This victory was a great source of pride for the Estonian people, and Käpp was celebrated as a national hero.

In addition, he was chosen to carry the Estonian flag at the 1932 Olympics, a great honor that symbolized his significant contributions to his country. Käpp’s achievements demonstrate his unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of wrestling.

His success in the 1924, 1928, and 1932 Olympics is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He was an inspirational figure for the Estonian people, and his legacy continues to live on.

5. Martin Klein

Martin Klein was a very accomplished wrestler. He was born in the territory of modern Estonia and competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics for the Russian Empire.

He represented his country proudly and achieved an incredible feat for his nation by becoming the first Olympic medalist born in Estonia. His tremendous efforts paid off, and he managed to win the silver medal in the middleweight class.

This impressive accomplishment was a milestone for Estonia and an incredible feat for Klein himself. He demonstrated his immense talent and determination to the world and became a symbol of hope for athletes all over the world.

6. Eduard Pütsep

Eduard Pütsep was an Estonian wrestler who competed in the Olympics three times. In 1920, 1924 and 1928, Pütsep competed in Greco-Roman wrestling and in the 1924 Olympics, he won a gold medal in the bantamweight division.

This made him the first Olympic champion in wrestling from Estonia. At the 1928 Olympics, he placed sixth in Greco-Roman and ninth in freestyle wrestling. Throughout his career, Pütsep was a successful wrestler, setting the standard for other Estonian wrestlers to follow.

He was determined and dedicated to his sport, and his success serves as an inspiration to those who want to achieve their goals. He proved that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

7. August Englas

August Englas was an Estonian wrestler who represented the Soviet Union in the 1952 Summer Olympics. He was born in Otepää and had a successful run in the competition.

He was able to defeat Adil Atan, Shirang Vithoba Jadav and Max Leichter; however, he lost against Henry Wittenberg and Viking Palm, which ultimately cost him the gold medal and resulted in him taking fourth place. Englas was a talented wrestler and the Olympics provided him the opportunity to demonstrate his skills on the world stage.

He was able to defeat some of the toughest competitors in the sport, which is a testament to his skill and determination. Unfortunately, his losses against Henry Wittenberg and Viking Palm prevented him from reaching the podium.

Even so, his fourth-place finish in the Olympics is an impressive accomplishment. August Englas is a testament to the strength of Estonian athletes, and his performance in the 1952 Summer Olympics will not soon be forgotten.

His determination and hard work made him a formidable opponent, and his success in the competition has earned him the respect of many.

He will be remembered for his dedication and skill as a wrestler, as well as his impressive accomplishment of taking fourth place in the Olympics.

8. August Kukk

August Kukk was a well-known Estonian wrestler. He was a prominent figure in the sport of wrestling and made a name for himself in the 1936 Summer Olympics. Kukk competed in the men’s freestyle welterweight event, representing his native country of Estonia.

Kukk was a dedicated athlete and worked hard to prepare for the Olympics. He was determined to make his country proud, so he trained and competed with full determination and commitment. Kukk’s hard work paid off, as he was able to reach the final round of the event.

Unfortunately, he was not able to win the gold, but he still managed to secure the bronze medal for Estonia. His performance was highly praised, and he was celebrated for his efforts.

Kukk’s success in the Olympics was a source of great pride for the people of Estonia, and he was seen as a role model for aspiring wrestlers. Kukk’s legacy still lives on in Estonia today. He is remembered for his hard work and dedication to the sport.

He is a symbol of strength and perseverance, and he is an inspiration to many young athletes. August Kukk’s legacy will continue to live on for many generations to come.

9. Helger Hallik

Helger Hallik is a renowned Estonian athlete who has competed in three Olympic Games. He first participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics, representing his home nation, and went on to compete in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

During his time as a wrestler, Hallik was highly successful in his home country and in international tournaments.

He was able to take home a number of medals, including the bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Hallik’s success in the Olympics is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

He trained rigorously for each Olympics, pushing himself to the limits to make sure he was in peak physical condition when competing. He also had a strong work ethic and a commitment to success, which drove him to constantly strive for more.

He was determined to not only represent his country but to also bring home a medal. Hallik’s success in the Olympics is an inspiration to other athletes who dream of competing on the world’s biggest stage.

His hard work and dedication show that anything is possible if you put in the effort. He serves as a reminder that with the right attitude and training, athletes can achieve their dreams.

10. Voldemar Mägi

Voldemar Mägi was an Estonian wrestler who achieved great success on the international stage. He was born in 1912 in the small village of Väike-Maarja, located in the northern part of Estonia.

He began his wrestling career at the age of 17 and quickly rose to prominence, competing at various local and international tournaments. At the 1936 Summer Olympics, held in Berlin, Mägi competed in the men’s Greco-Roman middleweight category.

He won a bronze medal, becoming the first Estonian athlete to win an Olympic medal. This achievement put Mägi in the spotlight in his home country and he was celebrated as a national hero. Mägi’s Olympic success did not end with his bronze medal.

He went on to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics, held in Tokyo and won a silver medal in the men’s Greco-Roman middleweight category.

This made him the first Estonian athlete to win two Olympic medals. Mägi’s legacy lives on in Estonia, where he is remembered as a national hero who put his country on the international sporting map.

He is celebrated for his passion and dedication to the sport of wrestling, and his achievements are an inspiration to many aspiring young athletes.

11. Adalbert Toots

Adalbert Toots was a remarkable Estonian wrestler who competed in the men’s freestyle lightweight division at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

He was a highly talented athlete, and his performance at the Olympics was considered to be one of the best of the year. Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short by tragedy. In 1946, he was arrested by the Soviet secret police, the NKVD.

He was then sent to a gulag prison camp, where he would spend the remainder of his life.

In 1948, Adalbert Toots died in the Gulag prison camp, the victim of a cruel and unjust system. Adalbert Toots’ story is a tragic reminder of the injustices faced by many people under the Soviet regime.

His life and accomplishments were cut short by the oppressive and oppressive system that he was forced to endure. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, and the need to fight for freedom and justice.

12. August Neo

August “Ago” Neo was an Estonian wrestler who had a successful career in the sport. He made history at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, by winning two medals: a silver medal in the freestyle wrestling and a bronze in Greco-Roman wrestling.

His achievements were made even more impressive by his teammate Kristjan Palusalu, who won two gold medals in wrestling at the same games. Neo’s accomplishments propelled him into the spotlight as an Estonian national hero.

He was held up as a symbol of courage and perseverance, inspiring the nation to rally behind their athletes and to strive for further success.

Neo’s success also helped to bring international recognition to Estonian wrestling and encouraged more people to take up the sport. Neo’s achievements were a remarkable feat for a small nation like Estonia.

His success was an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with dedication and hard work. He is still remembered today as an Estonian sports legend.

13. Rudolf Loo

Rudolf Loo was an Estonian wrestler who achieved great success in his career. He competed in the Greco-Roman light heavyweight event at the 1924 Summer Olympics, and he gained a notable reputation for his exceptional performance in the event.

In addition, he was also awarded a silver medal at the 1926 European Wrestling Championships and a bronze medal at the 1927 European Wrestling Championships. This demonstrates Loo’s impressive commitment to his sport and excellence in the field.

He was highly respected in the wrestling world, and his accomplishments are still remembered today. His success is an inspiration to all athletes and a testament to the hard work and dedication that can be achieved through sport.

14. Arvi Aavik

Arvi Aavik was a highly accomplished Estonian athlete who competed in two Olympic Games during his professional wrestling career. He first competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics, which took place in Barcelona, Spain.

During this event, Arvi Aavik was able to demonstrate his immense skill and athleticism in the ring, and he earned a place on the podium in the freestyle wrestling competition. Four years later, Arvi Aavik showed his determination and perseverance by returning to the Olympic stage and competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Again, Arvi Aavik was able to showcase his impressive talents in the ring and earned another place on the podium in the freestyle wrestling competition. Throughout his career, Arvi Aavik was able to achieve success at the highest level of competition and become an inspiration to athletes all over the world.

Not only was he able to compete in two Olympic Games, but he was also able to earn two places on the podium, demonstrating his superior skill and determination. Arvi Aavik is a true example of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.

15. Edgar Puusepp

Edgar Puusepp was an accomplished Estonian wrestler and wrestling coach. He represented his country at the 1936 Summer Olympics in the men’s Greco-Roman welterweight division, where he placed fourth.

His success in this event was followed up by a silver medal at the 1939 European Wrestling Championships in the same weight class.

Puusepp was a highly respected figure in the wrestling world, and his achievements at the Olympics and European Championships serve as a testament to his skill and dedication.

He has been honored for his contributions to the sport of wrestling with a Hall of Fame induction in Estonia. He also received an honorable mention from the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles in 2019.

Puusepp’s legacy lives on in the Estonian wrestling community, and his achievements demonstrate the high level of excellence he achieved in the sport.

16. Oskar Kaplur

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Oskar Kaplur was a Russian wrestler who competed for the Russian Empire in the lightweight category at the 1912 Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, he made the move to the United States, living there from 1913 to 1918.

In 1918, he returned to Russia and began a career in the aircraft industry. He was a dedicated athlete who represented his country with distinction at the Olympics and then went on to pursue a different career.

His experience in the US and the knowledge of the aircraft industry he gained there likely helped him to be successful in his work in Russia.

17. Artur Kukk

Artur Kukk was an accomplished sportsman from Estonia. He was an accomplished wrestler, speed skater, and boxer, and was also highly involved in the Estonian sports scene. He was a successful competitor in multiple Olympic events.

At the 1920 Summer Olympics, he competed in the Greco-Roman heavyweight event. This competition involved a style of wrestling that focused on using one’s upper body strength to gain the upper hand over the opponent.

Kukk’s skill and strength in the ring made him a formidable opponent, and he was highly respected in the sports world. Kukk’s legacy remains today, as his achievements in the sporting world continue to be remembered.

18. Eduard Hermann

Eduard Hermann was an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Estonia. He first began wrestling in 1904 and was soon making a name for himself. In 1911, Hermann competed in the 60 kg division of the World Wrestling Championships and achieved a respectable sixth-place finish.

After this, he went on to win several Baltic championships and displayed his skill in wrestling tournaments in Finland. Throughout his career, Hermann was known for his dedication and skill in Greco-Roman wrestling.

He was a fierce competitor and even after his sixth place finish at the World Wrestling Championships, he kept training and honing his craft. His wins in the Baltic championships are testimony to the hard work he put into his wrestling.

Additionally, his frequent appearances in Finland show that he was eager to showcase his skills in different locations. Eduard Hermann was a talented Greco-Roman wrestler from Estonia who achieved a lot of success in his sport.

His commitment and dedication to the sport inspired many and his achievements are still remembered today.

19. Voldemar Roolaan

Voldemar Roolaan was an Estonian wrestler who was born in Laitse Rural Municipality, Harju County. His wrestling career began in 1929 when he joined the sports club Tallinna Sport.

In 1938, he achieved a major milestone in his career when he won a bronze medal at the European Championships, showing that he was a talented competitor. He then went on to become an 8-time Estonian champion, an impressive feat.

From 1937 to 1946, Roolaan was a member of the Estonian national wrestling team. During his time with the team, he likely helped Estonia gain recognition in the wrestling world. Roolaan was a dedicated athlete who worked hard to become a champion.

His accomplishments show that he was a true sportman and a great ambassador of Estonian wrestling. He will be remembered for many years to come.

20. Aap Uspenski

Aap Uspenski is an Estonian wrestler and strongman who was born in Abja-Paluoja. He started his wrestling career in 1974, under the tutelage of his father, and has since gone on to win several medals at the World Sumo Championships.

He is a multiple-time Estonian champion in both wrestling and sumo, and in the year 1990 he won the Estonian strongmen competition. Uspenski is highly respected in the world of wrestling and strongman sports and has earned a reputation as a skilled and successful athlete.

His success has been built on a foundation of hard work and dedication, and his passion for the sport is evident in his performances. His achievements are a testament to his natural talent and hard work, and he continues to be a source of inspiration to other aspiring athletes..

21. Karl Kullisaar

Karl Kullisaar was an Estonian wrestler and sports figure who had a long and impressive career. He was born in Salla Rural Municipality in Virumaa, and from there he began his wrestling training in Tallinna Kalev.

Kullisaar went on to have a successful career, winning a bronze medal at the 1930 European Wrestling Championships and 8 Estonian wrestling championships between 1930 and 1938.

In addition to his outstanding accomplishments as a wrestler, Kullisaar also worked as a sports coach, teaching other athletes his skills and helping them to reach their own goals.

His dedication to the sport of wrestling and his commitment to helping young athletes is an inspiring legacy that will continue to be remembered in Estonia.

22. Küllo Kõiv

Küllo Kõiv was an Estonian wrestler who was well-known for his participation in the Summer Olympics. He was first seen competing at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where he gained a tremendous amount of fame and respect.

He also took part in the 1996 Summer Olympics, furthering his career and reputation. Unfortunately, Küllo Kõiv was involved in a fatal automobile accident in Viljandi in 1998, at the young age of 25.

This unexpected tragedy shocked the wrestling and Olympic community, and Kõiv was remembered for his tremendous achievements and dedication to his craft.

He will always be remembered as one of the most successful wrestlers from Estonia and as a symbol of great sportsmanship and strength.

23. Epp Mäe

Epp Mäe is an Estonian freestyle wrestler who has achieved great success in her sport.

She won the silver medal in the women’s 76 kg event at the 2021 World Wrestling Championships held in Oslo, Norway, and has also won bronze medals at the 2015, 2019 and 2022 World Wrestling Championships. This makes her a three-time World Championship medalist.

Mäe is a highly skilled and accomplished wrestler, having been training since she was a child. She has a strong background in both judo and wrestling and has a great understanding of the sport.

Her success in the 2021 World Championships is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is an inspiring role model for other female athletes and an example of what can be achieved with determination and perseverance.

Mäe’s success at the 2021 World Wrestling Championships is a great achievement for her and a source of pride for the people of Estonia. Her accomplishments are a reminder to all that hard work and dedication can lead to great success, no matter what the odds may be.

24. Johannes Kotkas

Johannes Kotkas was a highly accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Estonia. He achieved great success in his career, winning a gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics. This was a huge accomplishment for Kotkas, who had been competing in Greco-Roman wrestling since 1938.

Kotkas also achieved success at the European level, winning the European title in 1938, 1939 and 1947. He also placed second at the 1953 world championships, further demonstrating his skill and dedication to the sport.

Kotkas was a prominent figure in Estonian wrestling, and his success at the Olympics and other international competitions was a source of pride and excitement for the country.

He was an important role model for Estonian wrestlers and athletes, showing what could be achieved through hard work and dedication. Kotkas’ legacy lives on today, as his achievements still serve as an inspiration to Estonian athletes.

He remains a celebrated figure in the country, and his gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics stands as a testament to his skill and commitment to Greco-Roman wrestling.

25. Georg Lurich

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Georg Lurich was a prominent figure in the world of wrestling and strongman competitions in the early 20th century. He hailed from Estonia and was a Greco-Roman wrestler himself.

He was also the trainer of two other famous wrestlers and weightlifters from Estonia – Georg Hackenschmidt and Aleksander Aberg. Lurich was known for his exceptional strength and skill as a wrestler.

He was a great teacher and mentor to the two wrestlers he trained, Georg Hackenschmidt and Aleksander Aberg.

He was able to impart his knowledge and experience to his students, which helped them develop their own wrestling techniques and strategies. Lurich was a great influence in the world of wrestling and strongman competitions.

He was part of the first wave of wrestlers from Estonia who were able to compete and win in international competitions.

His students, Hackenschmidt and Aberg, went on to become world-renowned wrestlers and weightlifters. Lurich had a lasting impact on the world of wrestling and strongman competitions.

He was a pioneer in the sport and was instrumental in helping to establish a strong base of support for the sport in Estonia. His influence is still felt today, as wrestlers and weightlifters from Estonia continue to compete in international competitions.

26. Rasmus Mägi

Rasmus Mägi is an Estonian hurdler who has been competing at the highest level of international track and field for a number of years. In 2012, he participated in the Men’s 400 metres hurdles at the Summer Olympics but failed to make it to the semifinals.

Despite the setback, Mägi didn’t give up and continued to strive for excellence.

Two years later, at the 2014 European Championships, he won the silver medal, showing that he was still a force to be reckoned with. At the 2016 Olympic Games, Mägi was even more impressive, coming in sixth overall and setting a new Estonian record of 48.40s.

This was a remarkable feat and certainly shows the dedication and determination that Mägi puts into his sport.

He is a true example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication and is a great source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and anyone looking to pursue excellence.

27. Baruto Kaito

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Kaido Höövelson is an Estonian politician who has had a successful career in sumo. He first entered the world of sumo in May 2004 and made a remarkable impact. After just two years of competing, in May 2006, he had risen to be ranked in the top division.

This was a remarkable achievement, as the competitive nature of sumo means it is very difficult to rise to the top in such a short period of time. Kaido Höövelson has been a great ambassador for Estonian sport, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.

He has gone on to become a respected and well-known politician in Estonia, using his knowledge and experience of the sumo world to help his country. His success story is an inspiration to many and shows that anything is possible with enough commitment and perseverance.

28. Albert Kusnets

Albert Eduard Kusnets was an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Estonia. He competed in the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics, demonstrating his prowess as an athlete.

In 1924, he placed fourth in the competition, but in 1928, he achieved a third-place finish despite a major setback. Just a few months before the 1928 Olympics, Kusnets suffered a broken leg, preventing him from competing in any further tournaments prior to the Games.

Despite the injury, he managed to place in the top three, showcasing his determination and skill as a wrestler. His bronze medal in 1928 was an impressive accomplishment considering the injury he had suffered.

Kusnets proved that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

29. Roman Steinberg

Roman Steinberg was a highly accomplished athlete who achieved success in both Greco-Roman wrestling and Estonian wrestling. At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, he won the bronze medal in the middleweight class competition of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Prior to this success, Steinberg had also been the Estonian wrestling champion for three consecutive years, from 1921-1923. His success was largely due to the coaching of Robert Oksa, who was instrumental in helping him perfect his skill and technique.

Steinberg’s accomplishments as an athlete are quite impressive and are a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. He will certainly be remembered for his achievements and his commitment to excellence.

30. Heiki Nabi

Heiki Nabi is an incredibly accomplished athlete, having achieved the highest honor in sports, an Olympic gold medal.

Nabi is an Estonian Greco-Roman wrestler, a style of wrestling that focuses on upper body strength and conditioning, rather than the more traditional style of wrestling which focuses on leg strength and technique.

Nabi was born in Hilleste, a small village in the Hiiumaa region of Estonia. He has become an inspiration to aspiring athletes in his home country, having achieved so much despite coming from such humble beginnings.

His career has been an inspiration to many, and his legacy will surely live on for many years to come.

31. Ardo Arusaar

Ardo Arusaar is a prominent Estonian wrestler who specializes in Greco-Roman wrestling. He has competed in the Olympics twice, in 2012 and 2016. In 2012, he competed in the Greco-Roman 96 kg event. He started off strong, defeating Erwin Caraballo in the qualifications.

Unfortunately, he was ultimately eliminated by Tsimafei Dzeinichenka in the 1/8 finals. At the 2016 Olympics, he returned to compete in the Greco-Roman 98 kg event.

Although he was unable to advance past the qualifications, Arusaar still put up a strong showing and represented his home country of Estonia with pride.

32. Artur Vititin

Artur Vititin is an Estonian athlete who competes in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a highly accomplished wrestler, having won multiple European and World Championship titles in the past. In 2020, he had the chance to compete in the Olympics for the first time in his career.

The event was held in Tokyo, Japan, and was the first Olympic Games to be held in the country since 1964. Artur was one of the many athletes from all around the world who had the chance to compete in the Tokyo Olympics.

His participation in the event was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Artur was able to compete and represent his country at the Olympics.

He will undoubtedly use the experience as motivation to continue to strive for excellence in his sport.

33. Alfred Schmidt

Alfred Schmidt was an Estonian featherweight weightlifter who achieved a great amount of success in his sport. He was born in Estonia and was an experienced runner before he began weightlifting in the Estonian Army in 1919.

His hard work and dedication paid off the following year when he won a silver medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics. This was an incredible achievement and was followed up with another victory in 1922 when he won a national title.

He set a great example for aspiring athletes and showed that hard work and dedication can lead to success no matter the circumstances.

34. Georg Baumann

Georg Baumann was a Russian-born wrestler who represented the Russian Empire in several competitions. He was born in Estonia, a part of the Russian Empire, and is considered to be the first successful Estonian wrestler.

Throughout his career, Baumann competed in Greco-Roman wrestling, a form of wrestling that focuses on upper body strength, holds, and throws.

In 1911, Baumann became the world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, after winning a gold medal at the World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. This was a major accomplishment for Baumann, as his win was the first time an Estonian had ever won a world championship in wrestling.

Baumann’s legacy as a wrestler is still remembered and celebrated today. His achievements as a Russian-Estonian wrestler are seen as an inspiration to many athletes, and his name is remembered with pride in Estonia.

He is an important figure in the history of Estonian wrestling, and his success has encouraged many other wrestlers to strive for greatness.

Conclusion

Estonia has some of the best wrestling players in the world. Many of the top wrestlers from Estonia have achieved success in international tournaments and have earned a high level of respect and admiration both inside and outside the country.

They have also served as an inspiration to the next generation of Estonian wrestlers. With the continued success of these athletes, Estonia can be proud to have some of the finest wrestlers in the world.

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Liam Rooney

Recent Florida International University graduate with a passion for journalism and a focus on sports, especially in wrestling. Recognized with a 3rd place award in the Society of Professional Journalist's Green Eyeshade awards for outstanding coverage of FIU men's soccer. Experienced in local news, breaking stories, and community reporting from an internship at the Palm Beach Post. Hosted and produced a radio show, adept at creating video packages. Eager to embrace diverse journalistic opportunities beyond sports, bringing a versatile skill set and a relentless drive for excellence to the field.