Great thread. Sean, one of our old-timers here must really love this discussion.
Are you sure? I thought Hossein was in 74kg and Hassan in 82kg? Also, I may be wrong, but I think Khadartsev was a wrestler that came about after Hassan had already retired.
To me, the best Iranian wrestler was Rasoul Khadem, hands down. He started off in the 68kg and finished his career in the +120. Such a smart/intelligent wrestler. I think he won 4 Gold medals and to me, he under-achieved. He deserved a few more Golds.
Fadzaef in 68kg, or Khadarsev in 90kg were indeed great wrestlers. They dominated their weight category for a very long time. On John Smith: I still remember the minute he won his bout against Asgari Mohamadian in 1992. Mohamadian actually lifted his opponent out of respect after the final whistle, and celebrated finishing second. China, did you know that Asgari Mohamadian's son is following his dad's footsteps nowadays in becoming another great champ? We will hear more about him in the future.
Also, what do you think about Majid Torkan? His bouts with Yordanev in 52kg was always nerve-wracking. Such a likable person he was.
I could be wrong but Mohebi brothers never wrestled in 96 kilo as far as i know. Infact i am pretty sure there was no 96 kilo cathegory back then. I remember Hassan to wrestle in 90 kilo and Hossein in 82 kilo. In 90 kilo though i remember Hassan Mohebi always having problems with Khadartsev of russia.
To me, the best Iranian wrestler was Rasoul Khadem, hands down. He started off in the 68kg and finished his career in the +120. Such a smart/intelligent wrestler. I think he won 4 Gold medals and to me, he under-achieved. He deserved a few more Golds.
Fadzaef in 68kg, or Khadarsev in 90kg were indeed great wrestlers. They dominated their weight category for a very long time. On John Smith: I still remember the minute he won his bout against Asgari Mohamadian in 1992. Mohamadian actually lifted his opponent out of respect after the final whistle, and celebrated finishing second. China, did you know that Asgari Mohamadian's son is following his dad's footsteps nowadays in becoming another great champ? We will hear more about him in the future.
Also, what do you think about Majid Torkan? His bouts with Yordanev in 52kg was always nerve-wracking. Such a likable person he was.