site.btaWrestling Legend Boyan Radev Celebrates 82nd Birthday

Two-time Olympic wrestling champion, one-time world champion and one of the emblems of Bulgarian sport Boyan Radev celebrates his 82nd anniversary on Sunday.

The glorious Bulgarian first conquered Olympus at the Tokyo 1964 Games, winning the 97 kg classical wrestling category, and four years later defended his trophy in Mexico. Meanwhile, in 1966, he became world champion.

He was among the first inducted into the World Wrestling Hall of Fame, and he is the recipient of the International Wrestling Federation's highest award, the Gold Necklace.

Boyan Radev also received recognition from the IOC, being selected to be the first recipient of the Pierre de Coubertin Medal, and was later honoured with the Sports and Arts Award. He is one of Bulgaria's greatest art collectors.  

Three times Radev has been elected Athlete of Bulgaria. He has also been given the title Merited Master of Sport of Bulgaria and awarded the highest state distinction - the Order of Stara Planina.