Iryna Merleni

Iryna Oleksijewna Merleni - Mikultschin, born Iryna Melnik, ( born February 8, 1982 in Kamjanez - Podilskyj ) is a Ukrainian wrestler. The only 1,50 m tall athlete was the first wrestler who won an Olympic gold medal.

Merleni was as young wrestler best of their age group, 18 years old, she won her first world championship title in the senior category. In 2001, she lost in the final of the European Championship against Inga Karamtschakowa and was at the Junior World Championships only five. Then they won by 2005 every major tournament in which they participated. After three world titles and a European title, the finals of the Olympic Games in 2004 was the highlight of their career. She won against the Japanese Chiharu Icho by Matt judges decision.

Achievements

1998

1999

  • 2nd European Junior in Budapest (-46 kg)
  • 1st World Championships Junior Women in Bucharest (-46 kg)

2000

2001

  • 2nd European Championships in Budapest (-46 kg)
  • 1st World Championships in Patras (-46 kg)

2003

2004

2005

2007

  • 2nd World Championships in Baku (-48 kg)
Wrestling 2000 World Wrestling Championships 2001 World Wrestling Championships 2003 World Wrestling Championships Wrestling at the 2004 Summer Olympics 2005 World Wrestling Championships 2007 World Wrestling Championships Carol Huynh Hitomi Obara List of Olympic medalists in Greco-Roman wrestling
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