Greco-Roman wrestler Vlasov wins fourth Olympic gold for Russia

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Published time: August 05, 2012 19:20
Edited time: August 06, 2012 00:23

Russia have Greco-Roman wrestler Roman Vlasov to thank for the country's long-awaited fourth gold medal at the London Olympics.

­Vlasov took care of Arsen Julfalakyan of Armenia in the men's 74kg final.

The 21-year-old Russian earned two points in the opening period and calmly maintained his advantage in the second to collect the biggest win of his career.

"I can’t belive that I have a gold medal already,” Vlasov told Sport Express. “I’m just happy now. I felt the support of the whole country and it's not just my achievement, but the success of whole of Russia.” 

“For several days the Russians have failed to top the podium, so everybody was counting on us. And we were able to take over," he added.

Russia had to wait three days for their next Olympic gold after the triumph of judoka Tagir Khaibulaev on Friday, August 4.

Aleksandr Kazakevic of Lithuania and Azerbaijan’s Emin Ahmadov shared bronze in the event.

Vlasov’s gold wasn’t the only medal Russia's Greco-Roman wrestlers brought to their team on the day.

Mingiyan Semenov prevailed against Gyujin Choi of South Korea in the bronze 55kg match.

RIA Novosti / Vladimir Baranov

RIA Novosti / Vladimir Baranov