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Oleg Stepanov

Oleg Sergeyevich Stepanov was a judoka and sambo competitor. Domestically he was mostly known for sambo, which was a very popular sport in the Soviet Union, albeit with a limited international recognition. Between 1958 and 1968 Stepanov won eight national titles in sambo. Internationally he competed in judo, which has similar rules to sambo. The first Soviet judo team was formed in 1962 from the best sambo competitors, including Stepanov, and in 1963 it showed its strength in Europe and Japan. Later Stepanov won bronze medals at the 1964 Olympics and 1965 World Championships, as well as European titles in 1965 and 1966.