Turkish Wrestler Wins Record-Breaking 13th European Gold

Turkish wrestler Rıza Kayaalp has cemented his status as a sporting icon.

On April 21, 2026, the 36-year-old athlete won his 13th gold medal at the European Wrestling Championships in Tirana, Albania.

Competing in the Greco-Roman 130 kg category, Kayaalp defeated Hungary’s Darius Attila Vitek 7-1 to secure the historic title.

With this win, he officially surpassed the legendary Russian wrestler Aleksandr Karelin, who held 12 European titles.

Kayaalp’s journey has been defined by remarkable consistency; he has earned a medal in every European championship he has entered, totaling 13 golds and two silvers since 2010.

After facing an 18-month suspension due to an anti-doping rule violation, Kayaalp returned to the mat with renewed focus.

Widely celebrated as one of the greatest wrestlers in history, Kayaalp’s record-breaking achievement is a moment of immense national pride for Turkey, proving that true legends can redefine the limits of their sport.