Hamza Yerlikaya
Youngest world champion ever, then two Olympic golds
- Born
- June 3, 1976, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
- Nationality
Turkey- Height
- 176 cm (5′9″)
- Weight
- 82 kg, 84 kg, 85 kg, 96 kg
- Active
- 1993–2007
- Status
- Retired · age 50
The medals
2 Olympic golds; 3 world titles
The story
amza Yerlikaya started wrestling at 11 in Istanbul, encouraged by his father and inspired by his older brother. In 1993, aged 17, he lost the European final to Thomas Zander in his senior debut, then won the world title in Stockholm months later, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport's history. He won again in 1995 and, while doing his military service, took Olympic gold at 82 kg in Atlanta in 1996. He won a second Olympic title at 85 kg in Sydney in 2000, where he also carried Turkey's flag at the opening ceremony. At 96 kg he won a third world title in 2005, and he collected eight European titles in all. Severe neck injuries ended his career in 2007, after which he went into parliament and sports administration.
Tap a technique with an arrow to learn how it works.
- Olympic champion (1996, 82 kg; 2000, 85 kg)
- World champion (1993, 1995, 2005)
- European champion 8 times (1996–2006)
- Named 'Wrestler of the Century' by FILA
- Turkish State Medal of Distinguished Service (1997)
Defining matches
- 1993LOSSvs Thomas Zander (European final, senior debut)
- 1993World title Stockholm (aged 17, youngest ever)
- 1996Olympic gold Atlanta (82 kg, during military service)
- 2000Olympic gold Sydney (85 kg)
- 2005World title Budapest (96 kg)
Learn your technique from people who have done it: Yerlikaya's own advice was that technique is learned from masters. Pick one proven throw, such as the body lock, and drill it with your coach until it works against resisting partners.
1980–1996
1990–2000
