Overview
- Elizaveta Smirnova took bronze at 50 kg, defeating Japan’s Remina Yoshimoto as the World Championships continue in Croatia.
- Smirnova, 25, is a multiple medalist at Russian nationals and adds to her international résumé in Zagreb.
- The championships run from September 13 to 21, with Russian athletes entered in a neutral capacity under the United World Wrestling flag.
- Earlier in the week, Russia’s freestyle team earned three medals: gold for Zaur Uguev (61 kg), silver for Amanula Gadjimagomedov (92 kg) and bronze for Zaurbek Sidakov (74 kg), the program’s leanest return since 2017.
- Key absences tied to travel and visa issues include two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev, and Greco-Roman coach Gogi Koguashvili confirmed Dovudzhon Toshev replaced Sadyk Lalaev at 60 kg after Lalaev could not fly.