Biography

Zhiwei DENG (CHN) earned 2nd trip to Olympics by originally placing 5th at 2019 World Championships, but was later upgraded to bronze medal due to doping violation by opponent. Lost 5-0 to Taha AKGUL (TUR) in semifinals...One month later, won bronze medal at World Military Games for 7th career medal (gold in 2013) at tournament dating back to 2008....2019 Asian silver medalist, losing to Yadollah MOHEBBI (IRI) in final, adding to Asian bronzes won in 2011 and 2015. Also silver medalist at 2018 Asian Games behind Parvis HADI BASMANJ (IRI)....Became China's first-ever world medalist in freestyle when he won silver medal at 2018 World Championships behind defending champion Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) in 4th trip to worlds...At Rio 2016 Olympics, lost 2-2 in 2nd round to Levan BERIANIDZE (ARM) after giving up final point on activity clock in last minute...2007 world junior bronze medalist...Has won 27 medals at international tournaments over 14 years...Won 1st gold at quadrennial National Games in 2017 after silver in 2009 and bronze in 2013....Started wrestling at age 15.