Turkish wrestler Riza Kayaalp has made history by winning his 13th European Wrestling Championships gold medal, becoming the most successful wrestler in the event’s history. The 36‑year‑old Greco‑Roman heavyweight lifted the title in the 130 kg category at the 2026 European Championships in Tirana, Albania, defeating Hungary’s Darius Attila Vitek 7–1 in the final.
Kayaalp’s 13th gold broke the previous record of 12 European titles, which he had shared with Russian legend Aleksandr Karelin. Across 15 European finals, he has now claimed 13 golds and two silvers, meaning he has won a medal in every European Championship he has competed in. After the win, Kayaalp said the achievement felt as valuable as an Olympic medal and called it a record many believed to be unbreakable.
Beyond continental success, Kayaalp is also an Olympic and World Championships star, with an Olympic silver from Rio 2016, a bronze from London 2012, and multiple world‑title wins. His latest gold further cements his status as one of wrestling’s greats and a role model for young athletes across Europe and Turkey.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. How many European gold medals has Riza Kayaalp won?
Riza Kayaalp has now won 13 European Wrestling Championships gold medals, the most in history, surpassing Russia’s Aleksandr Karelin’s previous record of 12 titles.
2. What weight category does Kayaalp compete in?
Kayaalp competes in the Greco‑Roman 130 kg (heavyweight) category, where he has dominated for more than a decade and claimed his latest European title in Tirana.
3. What other major achievements does he have?
Kayaalp has won Olympic medals (silver in 2016, bronze in 2012) and multiple world‑championship golds, plus several European Games and World Cup titles throughout his senior career.
(Image Credit: turkiyetoday.com)