Rıza Kayaalp

Rıza Kayaalp is one of Türkiye’s most decorated Greco-Roman wrestlers, competing in the 130 kg category. He began wrestling in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks, winning junior European and world titles before making his Olympic debut in 2008. Kayaalp claimed his first World Championship in 2011 and went on to win a total of five world titles. He is also a 13-time European champion, breaking the long-standing record held by Alexander Karelin. At the Olympic Games, he earned three medals: bronze in London 2012, silver in Rio 2016, and bronze in Tokyo 2020. Known for his consistency, strength, and longevity, Kayaalp has played a defining role in modern Turkish wrestling and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Greco-Roman heavyweights in history.