Russian Olympic champion wrestler conscripted

Roman Vlasov of Russia stands on the podium with his Gold Medal after his Men’s Greco-Roman 74 kg Wrestling Gold Medal bout against Arsen Julfalakyan of Armenia on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Moscow, Nov 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti): The man who won Russia’s first wrestling gold medal at the London Olympics has entered army service as a conscript.

Roman Vlasov won gold in the 74kg division and now the 22-year-old considers his duty to serve his country in the military.

Vlasov’s move is rare among Russia’s youth and was apparently influenced by three-time Olympic champion wrestler Alexander Karelin, who also served in the armed forces.

The athlete filed an application last month requesting he be drafted.

Russia has a mandatory draft system where all able-bodied men aged 18 to 27 must do a 12-month stint. Draft-dodging is common practice with potential recruits scared off by poor living conditions, low wages and systemic hazing.

Vlasov is also a reigning World Champion.

Russia won four wrestling golds in London.