Bogdan Daras

During the 1980s Bogdan Daras was one of the best Greco-Roman wrestlers in Poland. Daras competed as a middleweight throughout his career, which saw him win four national titles, along with medals at both the European and World championships. He won his first gold at the World Championships in 1985 with victory against the Soviet wrestler Abdulbasir Battalov. The following year he won his second gold at the World Championships in unusual circumstances. In the final he fought against the Hungarian wrestler Tibor Komáromi, with both athletes failing to score a point. The rules at the time stated that this resulted in both wrestlers being disqualified and being awarded second place. One year later, however, the wrestling governing body reversed the decision, with both Daras and Komáromi being awarded with gold.

Despite winning two gold medals at the World Championships, Daras never became a European champion, but won silver in 1986 and 1987. Leading into the 1988 Seoul Olympics he was a strong favourite to win a medal at the Games, but suffered a serious knee injury that resulted in his leg being in a cast. He still managed to compete at the Olympics, winning his first three bouts, before being eliminated to finish eighth overall. Daras also had the honour of being the flagbearer for Poland at the Opening Ceremony.

Daras retired from the sport immediately after the Olympics and then moved to Germany to work for a construction company. He also spent time training wrestlers in clubs in Germany, staying in the country until his retirement, before returning home to Poland.