Gazanfer BILGE

Gazanfer Bilge was one of the Turkish wrestling pioneers who changed from traditional Turkish wrestling to the Olympic international style. In addition to his 1948 freestyle gold medal, Bilge was European champion in freestyle in 1946 at 62 kg. Because the Turkish government awarded their gold medalists monetary rewards, he was declared a professional and could not compete again after the 1948 Olympics. Bilge donated money to schools, orphanages, and home for people in need in his hometown of Kocaeli, and was awarded a Service to Sports and Community Trophy by the International Fair Play Committee in 2002.