Romania is home to some of the world’s best wrestling players. Over the years, Romania has produced a number of Olympic medalists, World Champions, and European Champions.
Many of these wrestlers have become household names and have played a key role in inspiring the next generation of wrestlers. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best wrestling players in Romania and why they are so successful.
1. Ion Țăranu
Ion Taranu was an impressive Greco-Roman wrestler from Romania. He competed at three Olympic Games, namely the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Olympics, and achieved a remarkable feat by winning a bronze medal at the 1960 Olympics.
His Olympic success was complemented by a silver medal at the 1967 European Championships. Domestically, Ion Taranu was a powerhouse, collecting an incredible 15 Romanian middleweight titles. This is a testament to his ability and dedication to the sport of wrestling.
His skill and success have made him one of the most famous Romanian wrestlers of all time.
2. Vasile Andrei
Vasile Andrei was a successful heavyweight wrestler from Romania. He had a long and illustrious career, taking part in the Olympics three times between 1980 and 1988.
In 1980, he achieved a bronze medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, and four years later, he achieved the highest honor of all: a gold medal.
This was no small feat, as it required years of hard work and dedication to reach the top of the competition. Vasile Andrei was known for his strength and agility, which made him a formidable opponent in the ring.
He also had the ability to stay calm under pressure and to think strategically, which helped him to come out on top in the most challenging of matches. Throughout his career, he maintained a high level of respect among his peers and was admired by fans all over the world.
His achievements at the Olympics were a testament to his hard work and dedication. His bronze medal in 1980 and his gold medal in 1984 made him a national hero in Romania, and his impressive career will be remembered for years to come.
3. Nicolae Martinescu
Nicolae Martinescu was a highly accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Romania. He was an Olympic competitor at the 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976 Olympiads and achieved remarkable success.
In 1972, he won a gold medal in his sport, and he placed third in the 1968 Olympics and fourth in the 1964 Olympics. Additionally, he was the flag bearer for Romania at the opening ceremony of the 1976 Olympics.
His impressive record of accomplishments demonstrates the skill and dedication that he brought to his sport.
4. Ion Păun
Ion Păun is a highly decorated Romanian wrestler who competed in the Olympic games three times. He first represented his country in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. He then featured again in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
His last appearance was in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Soviet Union. During his illustrious career, he has won several accolades such as a bronze medal at the 1978 World Championships in Mexico City and a silver medal at the 1979 European Championships in Berlin.
He has been a role model for aspiring wrestlers in Romania, inspiring them to achieve greatness. His achievements have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.
He is truly an inspiration to many, having pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the sport of wrestling.
5. Stelică Morcov
Stelică Morcov is an accomplished light-heavyweight freestyle wrestler from Romania. He is now retired, but during his career he achieved great success, including two bronze medals at the Summer Olympics and the European Wrestling Championships in 1976.
These accomplishments were a major milestone in Morcov’s career, as he was the first Romanian wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics, and one of only two Romanian wrestlers to ever medal at the European Championships.
His success in 1976 put him on the map in the wrestling world and cemented his place in the history books. Morcov’s accomplishments were even more impressive considering the level of competition he faced.
At the time, the Olympics and European Championships were considered to be the most prestigious tournaments in the world, and it took a great deal of skill and determination to achieve a medal at either event. Despite his success, Morcov was unable to remain at the top of the light-heavyweight freestyle wrestling rankings for long.
In 1978, he was forced to retire due to injury, and he never returned to the sport. Nevertheless, his achievements in 1976 still stand as a testament to his skill and dedication.
6. Anton Arghira
Anton Arghira is a Romanian wrestler who has competed in the Olympics on two separate occasions.
At the 1992 Summer Olympics, Anton represented Romania in the wrestling event, making him the first Romanian wrestler to compete in the Olympic Games since the country’s independence in 1878.
During the 1996 Summer Olympics, Anton returned to the mat and competed again for Romania. His performance at the 1996 Games earned him the title of Romania’s first Olympic wrestling medalist, as he won a bronze medal during the tournament.
Anton’s accomplishments have been a source of pride for his country, as he has truly made Romania stand out in the international wrestling community.
7. Ion Ieremciuc
Ion Ieremciuc is a Romanian wrestler who has competed in the Olympics. He competed in the Greco-Roman 100 kg competition at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He is one of the few Romanian wrestlers to have competed in the Olympics.
Greco-Roman wrestling is a form of wrestling that is contested in the Olympics. It is distinct from the other form of wrestling, freestyle wrestling, in that it only allows holds that are below the waist.
This means that the wrestlers are not allowed to grapple above the waist and must instead focus on taking their opponent to the ground and pinning them. Ion Ieremciuc was one of the competitors in this event at the 1992 Summer Olympics, making him a part of Olympic history.
He was not successful in his attempt to win a medal, but he was still able to leave his mark on the competition. His participation in the Olympics is a testament to his skill as a wrestler and his commitment to his sport.
8. Dumitru Gheorghe
Dumitru Gheorghe is a Romanian wrestler with an impressive Olympic history. He competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, and in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.
He was able to show his skills on the international stage and was able to represent his country proudly. Gheorghe’s Olympic career began in Melbourne in 1956. He competed in the Greco-Roman wrestling event and was able to make it to the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, he did not make it to the final round and his Olympic journey ended at the semi-finals.
Despite not making it to the final round, Gheorghe’s impressive performance was still recognized by the Olympic committee. Four years later, Gheorghe returned to the Olympics for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.
He was determined to make it to the final round this time and he did not disappoint. He was able to make it to the final round and won the bronze medal in the Greco-Roman wrestling event.
This was a huge accomplishment for Gheorghe, as he was able to make history by winning a medal for his country. Gheorghe’s impressive Olympic career has left a lasting legacy in the world of wrestling.
He was able to show his skills on the international stage and was able to represent his country proudly. He will forever be remembered as one of the best wrestlers to ever compete in the Olympics and his performance will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers.
9. Petru Ciarnău
Petru Ciarnău is a Romanian athlete with a distinguished career. He is a former wrestler who competed in two Olympic Games. His first Olympic experience was in the 1972 Summer Olympics, where he represented his home country of Romania.
In the 1980 Summer Olympics, he returned to the competition to once again represent Romania. Petru Ciarnău’s career was marked by his impressive performances in the Olympics, and he is an example of how dedication and hard work can pay off.
His career as a wrestler has been an inspiration to many other Romanian athletes and beyond.
10. Estera Dobre
Estera Dobre is an amateur Romanian wrestler, who achieved great success in the women’s flyweight category. Between 2009 and 2012, she was a medal-winning powerhouse at the European Wrestling Championships.
Dobre won a total of four silver medals for the 48 and 51 kg classes at the European Wrestling Championships. This impressive feat highlights her skill and dedication as a wrestler, as well as her impressive mental and physical strength.
Her impressive record shows she was a fierce and consistent competitor at the European Wrestling Championships and a true inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere.
11. Ion Draica
Ion Draica is a legendary athlete in the world of Greco-Roman wrestling. He was born and raised in Romania, where he spent his entire wrestling career with the club Farul Constanţa.
His impressive career culminated in him winning the world title in 1978, the European title for three years between 1977 and 1979, and an Olympic gold medal in 1984. After retiring from competitions, Draica remained close to the sport by taking up the position of president of Farul Constanţa.
This allowed him to stay involved in the sport he loved, while also being able to give back to the club that had supported him throughout his career. Draica’s success in Greco-Roman wrestling is an inspiration to all athletes.
His dedication to the sport and his perseverance paid off with tremendous success. He is a shining example of how hard work and determination can lead to greatness. His legacy is one that will live on for years to come.
12. Albert Saritov
Albert Ramazanovich Saritov is a highly accomplished wrestler of Chechen descent. Born in Russia, he is now a naturalized Romanian citizen.
Saritov has achieved impressive results in the sport, collecting a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics and another bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships in 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey.
His success over the years has been a testament to his considerable dedication and determination. Saritov’s impressive list of accomplishments continues to grow, and he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of wrestling for years to come.
13. Ion Baciu
Ion Baciu is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Romania. He had a successful career in the sport, competing in the bantamweight division. In 1967, he achieved one of his greatest accomplishments by winning the world title.
This victory was followed up with a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics. Although Ion didn’t win gold, he was still able to make it to the podium. He also competed in the 1972 Olympics but didn’t manage to place in the top three, finishing in sixth place.
Ion Baciu is a great example of a successful athlete who was able to achieve success both at a world championship level and in the Olympics. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he has left a lasting legacy in the world of Greco-Roman wrestling.
He is a true inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere.
14. Nicolae Negumereanu
Nicolae Negumereanu, better known by his nickname Nick Negumereanu, is a Romanian professional mixed martial artist who is currently competing in the Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Prior to his UFC career, Nick was the Real Xtreme Fighting Light Heavyweight champion and earned a reputation for his unique entrance rituals. He usually enters the ring wearing a traditional Dacian hat called the pileus, which is a conical cap made of felt with a topknot.
The pileus is a symbol of freedom and is particularly associated with the legend of the Dacian King Decebalus, who is said to have worn it when he was defeated by the Roman Empire.
Nick Negumereanu’s choice of wearing the traditional Dacian hat is a way of showing his pride for his Romanian heritage and is a sign of respect for the culture and history of his homeland.
15. Petre Dicu
Petre Dicu is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Romania who competed in the 1976 and 1980 Olympics. He was a light-heavyweight wrestler, and his accomplishments in the sport are impressive. In 1976, he competed in the Olympics, though he was unable to medal.
However, in 1980, he achieved his first Olympic medal when he won a bronze. He also won two bronze medals at European championships in 1978 and 1979, and a silver medal at the 1977 World Championships. Outside of the Olympics, Petre Dicu was a highly successful wrestler.
He was able to capture medals at the European and World Championships, demonstrating his skill and dedication to the sport. His achievements in Greco-Roman wrestling have earned him recognition in Romania and beyond.
Petre Dicu is an example of an athlete who was able to reach success by putting in hard work and dedication.
16. Alin Alexuc-Ciurariu
Alin Alexuc-Ciurariu is an impressive athlete. He is an amateur Romanian Greco-Roman wrestler who competes in the men’s heavyweight category.
His hard work and dedication to the sport paid off when he won one of the bronze medals in the 130 kg event at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.
This was a huge accomplishment for Alexuc-Ciurariu and demonstrated his skill and determination to succeed. He is an example for aspiring wrestlers of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
His success serves as an inspiration to other wrestlers who are looking to achieve their goals.
17. Emilia Alina Vuc
Emilia Alina Vuc is a shining example of excellence in the world of freestyle wrestling. She is a Romanian athlete who has achieved remarkable success in international competitions.
At the World Wrestling Championships, she has won two silver medals, a testament to her dedication and hard work. She has also made her mark at the European Wrestling Championships, winning four medals in total.
This demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and compete at the highest level. Vuc’s accomplishments in freestyle wrestling are a testament to her determination and strength of character.
She has faced off against some of the world’s toughest athletes and come out on top. Her success has not only earned her worldwide recognition but has also inspired other wrestlers to reach for their dreams.
Vuc’s career is a shining example of what is possible when you have the passion and dedication to succeed.
18. Vasile Pușcașu
Vasile Puşcaşu is a highly accomplished athlete, who had a long and successful career as a heavyweight freestyle wrestler. He represented Romania at three Olympic Games, from 1980 to 1988, and achieved great success, winning two medals.
In 1984 he won a bronze medal, and in 1988 he went one better, taking home a gold medal. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Puşcaşu also had a successful career in international competitions.
Between 1977 and 1987, he won two silver and four bronze medals at the world and European championships. This impressive medal haul is a testament to his skill and dedication as a wrestler.
Throughout his career, Puşcaşu was renowned for his strength and technique, and he was respected by his peers for his hard work and determination. He is now retired, but his legacy as one of Romania’s greatest wrestlers remains.
19. Gheorghe Berceanu
Gheorghe Berceanu was a Romanian Greco-Roman wrestler who competed in the light-flyweight division. His career was marked by numerous impressive accomplishments. In 1969 he won the world title, which he followed up with another world title in 1972.
He also won the European title in 1970, 1972, and 1973. His greatest achievement came in 1972 when he won an Olympic gold medal in Munich. He also managed to bring home a silver medal in 1976 from the Montreal Olympic Games.
Berceanu’s accomplishments speak to his skill and dedication to the sport of wrestling, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers of all time.
20. Kriszta Incze
Kriszta Tunde Incze is an accomplished Romanian freestyle wrestler. She has achieved great success in her career, having won four medals at the European Wrestling Championships. In 2019, she had the honour of representing Romania at the European Games in Minsk, Belarus.
She made the most of this opportunity, coming away with a bronze medal in the 62 kg event. This was a big accomplishment for Kriszta and a great honour for Romania. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She is an inspiration to other Romanian wrestlers, showing them that success can be achieved with the right attitude and effort.
21. Alexandra Anghel
Alexandra Nicoleta Anghel is a highly accomplished Romanian freestyle wrestler. She recently achieved success at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia, where she won a bronze medal in the 72 kg event.
This victory adds to her impressive list of accomplishments, which includes a bronze medal in the 72 kg event at the 2018 European Wrestling Championships held in Kaspiysk, Russia. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She is an inspiration to other aspiring wrestlers, and her achievements are a source of pride for the Romanian wrestling community.
22. Rareş Chintoan
Rareş Daniel Chintoan is a Romanian freestyle wrestler who has achieved success in international competitions. He competes in the under 120 kg weight class and has represented Romania in the Olympics on two occasions.
At the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, Chintoan participated in the 120 kg events. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the 1/8 finals at both of these competitions.
Despite this, Chintoan has proven himself to be a formidable wrestler who has achieved success at the international level. He is a dedicated athlete and has consistently put in the effort to compete on a world-class level.
23. Virgil Munteanu
Virgil Munteanu is an amateur Romanian Greco-Roman wrestler who specializes in the men’s featherweight category.
In 2008, Munteanu achieved a major milestone in his wrestling career by winning the bronze medal for his division at the European Wrestling Championships in Tampere, Finland.
Munteanu is also a part of the elite wrestling program CS Alro Slatina and is coached and trained by Dinu Obrucea. Under the guidance of Obrucea, Munteanu has become a skilled wrestler capable of competing at the highest levels of competition.
Munteanu’s accomplishments demonstrate the hard work and dedication that he has invested in his craft. He is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere and a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.
24. Ana Maria Pavăl
Ana Maria Pavăl is a highly successful Romanian freestyle wrestler. She competes in the women’s 53 kilograms category and has made a name for herself within the sport.
Since 2005, Pavăl has won a total of five bronze medals at the European Wrestling Championships, a remarkable achievement. She is a member of the CSA Steaua București wrestling team and is coached and trained by the experienced Simon Constantin and Vasile Vişan.
Pavăl has been able to build a successful career through her hard work and determination, and her dedication to her sport has been rewarded with five medals. Her story is an inspiring one that speaks to the determination and focus needed to succeed in the world of sport.
25. Ștefan Rusu
Ştefan Rusu is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Romania. He had an impressive career in the sport, having competed at the 1976, 1980, and 1984 Olympics.
His Olympic performances earned him two medals, a silver at the 1976 Games and a gold at the 1980 Games, as well as a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics. Rusu also won World Championships titles in various weight divisions in 1978 and 1982.
He was also successful at the European Championships, winning titles in four consecutive years from 1978 to 1981, as well as in 1985. His accomplishments clearly demonstrate his commitment and skill as a wrestler.
Rusu’s career serves as an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers, and his legacy is sure to endure.
26. Gheorghe Ignat
Gheorghe Ignat is a professional mixed martial artist, commonly known as “The Carpathian Bear”. He has an extensive background in Greco-Roman Wrestling, having trained and competed in the sport for many years.
His fighting career began in his native Romania, where he quickly developed a reputation for his powerful grappling techniques.
After gaining success in his home country, Gheorghe made the move to the United States to pursue a professional career in MMA. Gheorghe has had a successful career in MMA, having fought in some of the top promotions in the world.
He has earned himself a reputation as a powerful grappler, with a knack for finishing his opponents with submissions. His training in Greco-Roman Wrestling has allowed him to master a wide variety of submission holds and takedowns, making him a very dangerous opponent.
He is also known for his strong defensive skills, which have helped him to remain undefeated in his professional career. Gheorghe “The Carpathian Bear” Ignat is a very talented athlete, who has developed a strong reputation in the mixed martial arts community.
His dedication to the sport, and his technical prowess, have made him a force to be reckoned with. He continues to compete at the highest levels of competition and is always looking for the next challenge.
Conclusion
Romania is home to some of the best wrestlers in the world. Romanian wrestlers have achieved great success in international competitions, and have made a name for themselves in the wrestling world.
They are highly respected and respected for their hard work and dedication to the sport. With the continued support of Romania’s wrestling fans and the commitment of its wrestlers, Romania will continue to be a powerhouse in the world of wrestling.
