Swedish wrestler Hugo Baff, 21, from Limhamn, won bronze at the European Championships in Greco-Roman 77kg in Tirana. He defeated Moldova's Alexandrin Gutu 2–1 in a highly dramatic bronze medal match. This marks his first medal in a senior championship.
Hugo Baff of Limhamn Wrestling Club started the European Championships in Tirana with a loss to Armenia's Malkhas Amoyan, who later won gold. Thanks to Amoyan's progress, Baff earned a spot in the repechage and advanced to the bronze medal match.
Against Alexandrin Gutu, Baff fell behind 0–1 early after being called passive in par terre. In the second period, Gutu received the same penalty, tying it at 1–1. With 12 seconds left, Baff forced his opponent into a mat escape for the 2–1 victory.
"Shit, what a feeling. It's completely incredible. I've never felt anything like this," Baff told Sydsvenskan. His coach Jörgen Olsson praised the mental strength: "He has lost three bronze matches in youth championships. And now he wins in a senior championship."
This is Sweden's first men's senior medal since 2020 and Malmö's since 2015. Baff, living in Bara, aims for the 2028 Olympics.