The 34-year-old from Moscow won his first world title in the over 100 kilogram category at Munich in 2001, where he also claimed the open category.

He added another world title at Cairo in 2005, as well as winning bronze medals at Birmingham in 1999 and Paris in 2011.

Alexander Mikhaylin won an Olympic silver medal at London 2012, losing to France's Teddy Riner in the final ©Getty Images

In addition, he won an Olympic silver medal at London 2012 and six senior European titles. 

London was the only Olympics he qualified for such was the strength of his domestic opposition.

Mikhaylin last stood on top of the medal podium at the World Team Championships in Rio de Janeiro last year. 

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