Turkish sports wrestler who won World and Olympic championships, earning legendary status in the sport. Known for dominating the mat with exceptional strength and technique.
Hamit Kaplan was a Turkish wrestling sensation who etched his name in the annals of history by becoming a three-time Olympic medalist, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in men's freestyle wrestling at three consecutive Olympic Games in 1956, 1960, and 1964. This athletic giant stood tall at 1.90 meters and weighed 100 kg, dominating the heavyweight class with his defensive wrestling style.
Born on September 20, 1934, in Hamamz town, Amasya Province, Kaplan began wrestling at a young age in the traditional Turkish sport of Yal gre oil wrestling. He soon switched to sports wrestling and became the junior champion in the heavyweight class. His talent was recognized, and he was admitted to the national team in 1954, where he was trained by the renowned wrestler Celal Atik.
Kaplan's international career took off when he represented Turkey at the World Championships held in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1954, where he ranked 3rd in the Greco-Roman style at just 22 years old. This was a mere glimpse of what was to come, as he went on to win numerous titles at international competitions in both freestyle and Greco-Roman categories.
Kaplan's Olympic journey began in 1956 at the Melbourne Olympics, where he won the gold medal in freestyle heavyweight and finished 4th in Greco-Roman heavyweight. He continued his winning streak at the 1960 Rome Olympics, winning the silver medal in freestyle heavyweight, and finally, at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, he secured the bronze medal in freestyle heavyweight.
Hamit Kaplan's impressive career spanned 175 international appearances, earning him a revered place in Turkish wrestling history. He was a pioneering figure who inspired generations of Turkish wrestlers. After retiring from active competition, a sports hall with 1,000 seats in Amasya and another small one in Hamamz were named after him, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Kaplan resigned from active wrestling after the 1964 Olympics, citing his inability to keep up with strong opponents like Hungarian Istvn Kozma, Soviet Russians Aleksandr Ivanitsky, and Aleksandr Medved. Tragically, his life was cut short in a traffic accident on January 5, 1976, at the age of 41. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Hamamz, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire Turkish wrestlers to this day.
Born in 1914
Turkish wrestler who won Olympic and World Championship titles in freestyle wrestling, earning him the nickname "The Anatolian Lion".
