The famous former fighter and trainer, Ioan Crâsnic, passed away at the age of 96. Throughout a remarkable career, Crâsnic coached Romania’s national freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling teams at no less than eight editions of the Olympic Games, between 1960 and 1996.
In addition, his international experience also included training the Moroccan team at an Olympics, thus setting a record that is difficult to equal in the world of sports.
“The Romanian Wrestling Federation announces with deep regret the passing of Master Crâsnic Ioan, emeritus coach, who for over 30 years worked as a coach of the National Team within the Romanian Wrestling Federation.
He was a true promoter of freestyle wrestling and a mentor for generations of athletes, bringing an impressive track record to wrestling in Romania. The funeral will take place on Sunday, January 18, at 12:00, at Bellu Orthodox Cemetery. The lifeless body will be deposited at the Bellu Orthodox Cemetery chapel starting tomorrow, January 17. God rest him in peace. Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones!”it is stated in the release of the Romanian Wrestling Federation.
Originally from Caraș-Severin, Ioan Crâsnic started his career in freestyle wrestling in Timișoara, winning the first title of national champion in 1949.
“I didn’t make it to the Olympics because of…”
Crâsnic confessed why he never participated in the Olympic Games as an athlete.
“I didn’t make it to the Olympics because of the politics of some members of my family, who were against the regime at the time. I didn’t do politics, only sports!“he declared for gsp.ro, in August 2024.
His debut at the Olympic Games took place in 1960, in Rome, where he worked as a coach. Under his guidance, Romania won the gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, through Dumitru Pârvulescu. Although he retired in 1995 at the age of 66, his experience and reputation saw him later called upon to take over the management of Morocco’s technical staff.
“I met all the great Romanian fighters, I trained all the Olympic champions. But the most talented were Gheorghe Berceanu and Nicolae Martinescu, “Piticu” and “Martin” the elder.
They were very good friends, they also made jokes, but when it came to work, that’s it! When I said they had to do something, they did it. They were talented, but they also worked hard!”recognized Ioan Crâsnic, former wrestling coach, for GSP.
