A Braveheart

He emerged, wrestled, took his country’s flag to the top, made a nation fall in love with him and basked in the affection of the crowd.
January 7 marks the anniversary of Gholam-Reza Takhti’s demise. The Iranian wrestler who was loved by all, not just for the medals he was granted at international competitions, but for his noble and humane behavior and qualities, which have made him the “king of hearts”, “undefeatable champion” and the “world athlete”
Persian historical epics are full of bravery by great men and noble champions. In all junctures throughout history, these heroes have been respected by people as immortal myths. Elevated human virtues have made such figures as Gholam-Reza Takhti undying icons whose name would always be recorded in the history of this country. Takhti enchanted everyone with his kind and lofty character. He was the last survivor of true heroes after whom no such “athlete” was seen again. He was a sea of purity and honesty who succeeded to penetrate the hearts of sincere and modest people; his own brave heart full of the nation’s love.
More than being a champion, Takhti attached importance to living like a real human being throughout his life. During his life, he won nine gold and silver medals in global competitions including the Olympic Games. He is the only Iranian athlete who received this number of medals in the international arena. He was one of the few genius wrestlers of all time.
Although Takhti shined very well in the world wrestling matches, he never lost his modesty and decency. He participated in four Olympic Games in which he received a gold and two silver medals, and in one of them he ranked fourth.
With his mythical victory in Melbourne in 1956 in which he received a gold medal, Takhti brought about more credit for his country, while the former Soviet Union and the United States ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Every year on January 7, the Iranian nation, including the sports community, recalls a painful memory. On this day, Gholam-Reza Takhti said farewell to wrestling and the mundane world. Takhti lives in the heart of a nation as an undying myth, and in the world record books as an everlasting champion.