RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Russia’s powerhouse wrestling program came through the recent doping scandal that enveloped many of the nation’s other athletes unscathed.
Roman Vlasov is hoping his team can rack up the medals in Rio and serve as a source of pride for the rest of its country.
Vlasov got the Russians off to a roaring start on Sunday, winning gold for the second Olympics in a row by taking first at 75 kilograms in the Greco-Roman event.
Vlasov beat Denmark’s Mark Madsen 5-1, his second straight win over the Dane in the world finals.
Vlasov’s victory will likely be the first of many in Rio for the Russian team, which typically dominates the Olympic wrestling tournament.