Roman Steinberg, born on April 5, 1900, was a prominent Estonian Greco-Roman wrestler who made his mark in the world of sports during the early twentieth century. He gained international recognition when he secured a bronze medal in the middleweight class at the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, France. This achievement not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also placed Estonia on the map in the realm of competitive wrestling.
Steinberg's wrestling prowess was further demonstrated through his remarkable performance in national competitions, where he was crowned Estonian wrestling champion three times from nineteen twenty-one to nineteen twenty-three. His training under the guidance of esteemed coach Robert Oksa played a significant role in honing his skills and preparing him for the challenges of the sport.
Despite his athletic success, Steinberg's life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to tuberculosis on May 20, 1939, at the age of thirty-nine. His untimely death was a significant loss to the wrestling community and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
Roman Steinberg, who later adopted the name Roman Kivimägi after nineteen thirty-eight, was laid to rest at the Alexander Nevsky Cemetery in Tallinn, where his contributions to Estonian sports are remembered and honored.