💪 #OTD, on October 8, 1871, Ivan Poddubny, the legendary Russian wrestler and six-time world champion in French wrestling, was born.

🟣Poddubny began his wrestling career in the circus, where he quickly became famous for his incredible strength and technique. During his 40-year career (he competed until he was 70), he fought thousands of bouts around the world, becoming an undefeated champion and earning himself the nickname "Ivan the Iron".

🤼 In honour of this outstanding athlete, Russia holds an annual international Greco-Roman wrestling tournament, the Poddubny Wrestling League. In Yeisk, where Poddubny lived the last years of his life, there is a monument with the inscription "Ivan Poddubny — Russian Bogatyr" (strong hero in Russian epic poems).

❓ Who do you think is the "champion of champions" in India? Maybe you know other Russian athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments!👇