Death of Enui Valchev

By Michel DUSSON

Enui Valchev, a Hall of Fame freestyle wrestler from Bulgaria who won gold medals in the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships passed away February 14.  He was 78.

Valchev won a gold medal in Tokyo in 1964, a silver in Mexico City in 1968 and a bronze in Rome in 1960 in freestyle wrestling.  He was world champion in 1962 and added two silvers and a bronze medal in senior championship competition.  Valchev was twice European champion in 1968 and 1969.

He was inducted into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005.

""He was a great champion who made our sport better,"" said FILA President Nenad Lalovic.  ""We all stand on the shoulders of men like him.  He will be missed.""