Who Is Aleksandr Karelin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Aleksandr Karelin, born on September 19, 1967, is a legendary figure in the world of wrestling and politics. Known for his impressive accomplishments in Greco-Roman wrestling, Karelin is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. By 2025, he is 58 years old and continues to impact both the sports community and political sphere in Russia. Having served as a member of the State Duma, he balances his commitment to public service with his passion for promoting sports and fitness.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1967 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Novosibirsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Russia |
Popularity
Aleksandr Karelin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Throughout his wrestling career, Karelin is celebrated for his outstanding physical attributes. Standing tall at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) and weighing around 286 pounds (130 kg), he possessed a remarkable physique that complemented his wrestling technique. Even in 2025, Karelin maintains an impressive body, reflecting years of rigorous training and dedication to fitness.
In the 1988 Olympic final Karelin beat Rangel Gerovski, by executing his signature Karelin Lift and won. With his win, Karelin became the youngest Greco-Roman wrestler to become an Olympic champion at super heavyweight (130 kg) at the age of 21 years and two days.
At the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Karelin won one of the fastest Olympic wrestling matches, pinning Ioan Grigoraş in only 14 seconds. At the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Karelin faced American Matt Ghaffari for the gold medal.
Karelin had come off a shoulder surgery and looked vulnerable against a strong Ghaffari, who was able to repel Karelin's efforts to lift and slam him, forcing Karelin to use all of his skill and experience to defend a 1–0 lead.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Aleksandr Karelin is known to be a private individual when it comes to his personal life. As of 2025, he is married to his wife, whose name is not in the public domain. Karelin has been known to enjoy family life, balancing his professional commitments with a supportive and loving home environment. There has been speculation surrounding his past relationships, but his current focus remains on his family and career.
He was an avid fan of literature and mathematics during his school years. He began training in 1981, under Viktor Kuznetsov, who remained his coach through his entire career. He initially started boxing, following in the footsteps of his father, until he decided against it.
He also tried weightlifting, volleyball, basketball, skiing and swimming, excelling in all the sports he tried. Being naturally very big, he came to a wrestling gym, aged 13, standing 179 cm tall and weighing 79 kg, Karelin grew physically very fast and from 16 years of age throughout his entire career he competed in the super heavyweight division.
In 1985 he came to an international competition and won a junior world title. He won gold at Friendship-84 in Greco-Roman wrestling as a junior. In 1986, he competed in 14 tournaments, winning all of them.
He had his first loss (score 0–1) at the senior level at the USSR championships in 1987, to the reigning Russian and European champion Igor Rostorotsky, which was considered controversial; he then defeated Rostorotsky at the next USSR Championships, while recovering from a flu and a recent concussion, by fall, and again in a match that would deci
de which of the two would go to the Summer Olympics, winning 2–0, effectively retiring Rostorotsky.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Aleksandr Karelin's estimated net worth ranges between $10 million to $15 million. His earnings stem from various sources, including his successful wrestling career, political positions, endorsements, and business ventures. Karelin has astutely utilized his fame to negotiate lucrative deals and investments, contributing to his impressive financial portfolio.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his illustrious career, Karelin has achieved numerous accolades, including three Olympic gold medals and nine World Championship titles. His wrestling prowess has led him to teach and mentor younger athletes. Aside from his sports career, he ventured into politics, taking on roles such as a member of the Russian State Duma. Karelin is also involved in various businesses and investments, focusing primarily on sports-related initiatives, health and fitness, and youth development programs.
After going 13 years undefeated in international competition and six years without giving up a point, he eventually lost 0–1 to Rulon Gardner of the United States in the final of the Sydney Olympics. Karelin had previously beaten Gardner in 1997 with a score of 5–0 and throwing him three times.
His loss to Gardner is considered one of the biggest upsets in sports history. His loss in the final of the Sydney Olympics was his first and only international loss, having previously been unbeaten throughout his international career. Karelin retired from competitions in 2000.
Social Network
In today's digital age, Aleksandr Karelin maintains a presence on social media platforms, though he uses these channels sparingly. His Instagram and Twitter accounts primarily focus on promoting sports, government initiatives, and empowering the younger generation. Karelin engages with fans and followers, sharing insights into his professional life and sporting events while also advocating for fitness and wellness.
Like most top wrestlers, Karelin had a number of severe injuries through his career. He credits his fast recoveries to Valery Okhapkin, physician of the national wrestling team, and claims that Okhapkin extended his competition lifetime by several years.
Education
Karelin's educational background includes a degree in physical education from the Siberian Federal University. His education has played a crucial role in shaping his approach to training and athlete management, blending academic knowledge with practical experience. Continually advocating for education in sports, he participates in seminars and workshops to inspire future athletes and coaches.
Due to his dominance and accomplishments, he was named the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of the 20th century by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA), and is part of the class of ten inaugural inductees into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003.
In 2007, Karelin, alongside Buvaisar Saitiev, were voted the best wrestlers in the history of the sport by FILA. Four times he was awarded the "Golden Belt" as the best wrestler of the planet by FILA – in 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1994.
