The top favorite for this category was Japan’s Fumio Sasahara, the World Champion in 1969 and 1971. Prior to the competition, no one had even heard of the Soviet Union’s Shota Chochishvili, a fresh-faced 22-year old fighter from Georgia. Few also considered Britain’s David Starbrook (whose best results up to that point was a World bronze) to be a top contender for the gold. But this was the Olympics and anything can happen.
Munich 1972, -93kg: Shota Chochishvili (URS)
Munich 1972, -93kg: Shota Chochishvili (URS)
Munich 1972, -93kg: Shota Chochishvili (URS)
The top favorite for this category was Japan’s Fumio Sasahara, the World Champion in 1969 and 1971. Prior to the competition, no one had even heard of the Soviet Union’s Shota Chochishvili, a fresh-faced 22-year old fighter from Georgia. Few also considered Britain’s David Starbrook (whose best results up to that point was a World bronze) to be a top contender for the gold. But this was the Olympics and anything can happen.