They were not only champions. There were heroes of their country. Pursuit to the top place of pedestal is one of the greatest dreams of each athlete. Many strong sportsmen in our country and abroad stayed without Olympic gold, without their dreams coming true.

David Tsimakuridze and Gii Kartozia were those first Olympic athletes who acquired numerous titles during their sport career. 29th March is the birthday of these legendary athletes.

Georgia has 34 Olympic champions, while David Tsimakuridze is the first among them. In 1952 he deservedly obtained gold in freestyle wrestling and put basis to further Olympic achievements of Georgian athletes.

Impressive sport biography of Givi Kartozia (Freco-Roman wrestling) counts 15 years including his triumphant performance in Melbourne during 1956 Olympic Games where he acquired title of the Olympic champion. In 1960 Kartozia came out on the mat last time during Rome Olympic Games. He was the first classical wrestler in the world acquiring all the titles being the world champion, World Cup holder and the European Champion.

Our country will have many Olympic and world champions in future but David Tsimakuridze and Givi Kartozia will always remain among the first.