Nikolay Solodukhin

Nickolay Solodukhin was one of the leading Soviet judoka of his era and a dominant force in the U65kg division around the turn of the 1980s. Technically refined and tactically composed, he built a résumé that placed him among the very best lightweights of his generation.

His breakthrough on the global stage came in 1979 when he captured both the European and World titles, establishing himself as the man to beat in his category. A year later he confirmed that status at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, where he won gold and became Olympic Champion for the Soviet Union. Competing on home soil brought additional pressure, yet Solodukhin delivered with authority.

He maintained his position at the top in the years that followed. In 1983 he once again stood on the highest step of the podium at the World Championships in Moscow, securing his second world title and underlining his longevity at elite level.

Solodukhin’s combination of timing, balance and competitive intelligence made him a benchmark in the U65kg division. His Olympic and world successes remain a proud chapter in Soviet judo history.

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