Turkish Greco-Roman wrestling great Kazim Ayvaz has died at the age of 83 ©UWW

Turkish Greco-Roman wrestling great Kazim Ayvaz, an Olympic champion and multiple world champion, has passed away at the age of 83. 

The Turkish Wrestling Federation said in a statement that he died in Sweden.

Ayvaz competed in three consecutive Olympic Games from Rome 1960 to Mexico City 1968.

At Tokyo 1964, he captured the men's Greco-Roman lightweight gold medal. 

Kazim Ayvaz was crowned Olympic champion at Tokyo 1964 ©Getty Images
Kazim Ayvaz was crowned Olympic champion at Tokyo 1964 ©Getty Images

Additionally, he won welterweight and lightweight world titles in 1958 and 1962, respectively.

Ayvaz was born in Rize in 1937. 

His wrestling career started in 1953 at the age of 15. 

After his competitive wrestling career, Ayvaz spent time training Turkish wrestlers before moving to Sweden.