Three-time Olympic wrestling champion Buvaysar Saytiyev died at the age of 49.

Three-time Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Buvaysar Saytiyev died at the age of 50. This was announced to TASS by the president of the Russian Wrestling Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili.

"I got a call ten minutes ago and was informed that such a disaster. It doesn't fit in my head. We were supposed to fly together tomorrow," he said.

Mamiashvili did not disclose the circumstances and cause of death.

Saytiev won Olympic gold in 1996, 2004 and 2008 (in the weight category up to 74 kg), is a six-time world champion and a six-time European champion. In 2009, he ended his sports career. He is considered one of the best freestyle wrestlers in history.

In 2016, Saytiev was elected a deputy of the State Duma of the VII convocation (United Russia), was a member of the Committee on physical culture, Sports, Tourism and youth affairs.