Last we left off at the conclusion of Part 1, things were bittersweet for young Rashidov.
The two-time Cadet World champion and two-time Junior World medalist had finally made his World debut at the senior level, and he reached the finals in what was a fantastic showing for him.
A tight match with four-time World and Olympic champion Haji Aliyev of Azerbaijan left Rashidov desperate for points in the final moments. His Hail Mary head pinch attempt resulted in Aliyev sticking him for the pin.
While Rashidov picked up some of the best wins of his career, including one over World and Olympic champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili in the semifinals, he did not come to Paris for silver, and being pinned is always a massive blow to any wrestler’s pride.