1993 World Sambo Games Gold Medal Match: Sonnon vs Zurab

http://www.flowcoach.tv/?p=772
Scott Sonnon, after 2yrs learning Sambo, competes in his 1st world championship, losing the gold to USSR Judo Champion, Georgian Greco-Roman Champion, Master of Sport in Sambo, Zurab Bekochvili. The most important loss of his career, for it reshaped his future and drove him to becoming the 1st American to train in Russia. How harshly we judge failures in the present, only to realize later the blessed gift they had been.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• sonnon
• sambo

[yyportne]

Great video. Lots of good technical moves. One question though, how come the video says “JUL 5.01” (implying 2001), but the title says 1993. Of course my camcorder never has the right time or date lol.

[thermaxgym]

@yyportne It was just a typo from not having the camcorder set, the author stated.

[ricadrew]

I'm curious, had Scott trained with the General at this time yet?

[thermaxgym]

@ricadre Scott had been training in Sambo for two years at this point, where his opponent had been Soviet Judo Champion and Georgian Greco-Roman Champion for over 10 years. Impressive performance in that context. Scott did not train in Russia with the General until 1996. But it was this match that encouraged him to seek out training in Russia and become the first American to go behind the "Iron Curtain."

[ricadrew]

@thermaxgym Well that makes sense, cause although he looks good, he didn't look (talent wise that is) as good as the Scott I'm used to seeing, thanks.

[thermaxgym]

@ricadrew 20 years of training and anyone will get better. lol

[pcjudosambo]

Scott, it is a pleasure to hear from you. You're right...great memories! I am glad you remember this match because you were an excellent opponent. It's great to see that you're still practicing and sponsoring Sambo, much appreciated for that. I have a Martial Arts club in northern Florida, if you're ever down here, please feel free to stop by and say "hello". Visit my web page to get more details on this.

Keep in touch and good luck in your ventures.

Thanks

- Zurab

[smittydiesel]

Excellent match Scott, love the sportsmanship throughout.