SGT Ildar Hafizov
Greco-Roman Wrestling 60kg
SGT Ildar Hafizov started wrestling at the age of ten, when his first coach lived next door. He invited Hafizov to watch practice, and the rest is history. “What I remember next is that I started winning national competitions,” he says. He won many of those, in fact, and earned a bronze medal at the Cadet Asian Championship. Joining the U.S. Military in 2015 has opened up new doors for Hafizov, including earning him a place as a U.S. Olympic alternate.
Being a Soldier-athlete means that not only do I have to be a good athlete, but also a great leader for Soldiers. I am the example.
Career Highlights
World Team Member
7th Place, World Championships
U.S. Olympic Team Member
Pan-Am Olympic Qualifier Silver Medalist
World Team Member
National Team Member
World Team Member, Thor Masters Champion, Armed Forces Champion
Olympic Alternate
National Champion, Vantaa Cup Champion
Azovmash Cup Champion (for Uzbekistan)
Asian Silver Medalist, World Team Member (for Uzbekistan)
David Schultz Tournament Champion (for Uzbekistan)
World Team Member (for Uzbekistan)
Junior Bronze Medalist, Beijing Olympian
Senior Asian Bronze Medalist, World Team Member ( 5 at the Worlds)
Junior Asian Champion
Cadet Asian Bronze Medalist