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Swedish wrestler refuses bronze medal

Wrestler Ara Abrahamian took bronze on Thursday in the men's Greco-Roman wrestling competition in Beijing, but the Swede threw his medal away in protest following a highly controversial semi-final defeat.

Published: 14 August 2008 11:49 CEST
Swedish wrestler refuses bronze medal

The Swede, who won the silver in the Athens Olympics, grudgingly climbed the podium but stormed off in a huff after receiving his prize, which he left at the centre of the competition mat before stalking off the stage with a raised clenched right fist.

Abrahamian thought he had beaten Andrea Minguzzi, the eventual gold medallist in the 84kg division in the semi-finals, but the match was awarded to the Italian.

A point had been deducted against the Swede late in his semi-final bout which cost him a place in the final.

“My semi-final round loss today was totally unjustified. The controversial ruling shows that FILA (the sport’s governing body International Amateur Wrestling Federation) does not play fair,” the Swede claimed.

Minguzzi said the Swede should not rain on his victory parade, adding: “In sports I think it is appropriate to show sportsmanship and respect the result.”

The Swede came back strongly in the repechages to claim one of the two bronzes alongside Nazmi Avluca of Turkey.

The medal was later returned to the sport’s governing body.

Abrahamian’s win in the bronze match in the 84-kilo division was particularly sweet, as only the day before he almost dropped out of the competition altogether.

Less than one hour before the fight for bronze was due to start, Abrahamian’s coach Leo Mylläri was involved in a heated argument with the judges whom he accused of corruption.

Abrahamian was devastated when he lost the silver medal against Italian policeman Andrea Minguzzi in Wednesday’s semi-final.

According to the Swedish team and Abrahamian’s coach Mylläri, the verdict was unjust. The argument escalated to the point that Mylläri told newspaper Expressen that they were planning to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Abrahamian even threatened to boycott the bronze match and not participate.

But Abrahamian changed his mind and went ahead with the match, winning against the French wrestler Melonin Noumonvi.

Abrahamian’s bronze medal brings the Swedish medal tally to three.

Claudia Rodas/AFP

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Five events not to miss in Germany this weekend

Whether it’s film festivals, vintage fairs or Oktoberfest parties, there’s lots going on in Germany this weekend, September 27th-29th.

Published: 26 September 2019 14:42 CEST
Updated: 27 September 2019 16:46 CEST
Five events not to miss in Germany this weekend
Further climate strikes are taken place in Germany across the weekend. Photo: DPA

Down Under Berlin Australian and New Zealand Film Festival 

Down Under Berlin Film Festival has been a vital hub for enthusiasts of Australian and New Zealand cinema and culture since 2011.

From September 26th-29th, the 9th Down Under Berlin Film Festival will be taking place in the capital. This year’s motto is “EmBrace Yourself”, which nods to this year’s films particular focus on humanitarian concepts. 

A collection of films focus on experiences with mental illness, with others telling stories of indigenous or refugee issues, offering contemporary takes on identity, family and social landscapes. Stories range from coming-of-age to parenthood to elder care.

Across the weekend, as well as film screenings, attendees will be treated to Q&As with those behind this year’s diverse lineup of films, which ranges from independent productions to blockbusters, from student and professional short films to inspiring documentaries.

Climate Strikes Across Germany

The global climate strike is taking place from September 20-27th and this weekend Germany is hosting four climate strikes, where protesters will gather to demand that action is taken to address climate change. 

You can catch these demonstrations throughout Germany, whether Essen in North Rhine-Westphalia, or Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg. 

If you would like to attend one of these events, but don’t live in striking distance of one, travel company Flixbus can offer you a helping hand. In support of the movement, Flixbus will reward those travelling to the strikes by offering a voucher for 100% of their next bus trip.

Premiere: Contractions

The ACUD Theater in Berlin's Mitte district is premiering Contractions, an independent play which will run every night until Sunday, September 29th.

The performance is put on by a group of immigrants in Berlin from Australia, Peru, Great Britain, the US and Austria who aim to push boundaries in theatre in order to excite and challenge their audience. 

The central theme in Contractions is privacy (or lack thereof) in the age of social media and online data. Themes of surveillance, loss of love and identity, manipulation and devotion to the money gods nod to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four despite the play’s modern day setting.

The play is performed in English and targets native English speakers in Berlin. All performances begin at 8 pm and run for 60 minutes with no intermission.

Eschweiler Wiesn 2019

If you cannot make it to Bavaria in time for Oktoberfest, Eschweiler in North Rhine-Westphalia may have the answer. 

This weekend, on September 27th and 28th, the region is hosting a three day Wiesn (the local word for Oktoberfest celebration) with enough beer and dirndls to make you feel like you’re in Munich itself. 

As well as traditional music, the festival will also be hosting a number of contemporary artists such as German Pop Idol alum Anna Maria Zimmerman, schlager (a type of German-language pop music) stars Ina Colada and Almklausi, and rock bands from Cologne Kasalla and Miljö. 

Two day tickets are available, as well as single day tickets for both Friday and Saturday.

 

VinoKilo Vintage Fair

VinoKilo, a social enterprise offering a wide range of second-hand yet high quality vintage clothes and accessories, is bringing its Vintage Fair to two cities in Germany this weekend. 

Karlruhe on Saturday, September 28th, and Heidelberg on Sunday, September 29th, will be hosting Germany's biggest pop-up event for second hand clothes, with clothes being sold at €35 per kilo. That’s right, they’re priced per kilo. 

There are a limited number of free tickets available online for the events, which will be running all day. Entry on the door is €3, with both cash and card being accepted.

As well as vintage vibes, VinoKilo will bring attendees atmospheric music as they shop and a chill zone to unwind and admire their new buys.

 

 

 

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