Arsen Galstyan rises -66 kg

The info has been brewing for a few weeks from the Russian coaching staff. It has just been officially confirmed from the Russian Federation: Arsen Galstyan, Olympic champion -60kg, will fight in the under 66kg division starting today.

The 25-year-old athlete, was struggling in recent months in his now former category. With his 7th place at the European's in April after being clearly helpless in January by the World Champion 2013 Japanese Takato at the ECCO Asia-Europe Challenge just speeded up this decision.

Galstyan will join high-quality experienced athletes such as Mikhail Pulyaev (WRL no2.), Kamal Khan-Magomedov (WRL no.11) and Alim Gadanov (WRL no.12).

The Olympic Champion Galstyan is just one of the athletes who changed category after the London. Maybe it's already too late for him, as the Olympic cycle already started. Former World Champion Georgii Zantaraia was one of the first who changed category and already brought himself bronze medal from the World Championships. Rishod Sobirov (UZB) and Elio Verde (ITA) still trying to find their way to highlight in the new category.

It's obvious that Galstyan with this late decision will lose his place in the team of Russia for the World Championships in Chelyabinsk.

Can the U60kg Olympic Champion change something in the division under 66kg?

#london2012 #olympics

MEDAL OVERVIEW ARSEN GALSTYAN

source: www.judoinside.com