Is Wrestling An Olympic Sport
Tracing the history of is wrestling an olympic sport setting takes us on an exciting journey. It’s a tale filled with high-ranking highs and seemingly untenable lows, showing how this classic sport has managed to endure.
In the realm of ancient sport, wrestling’s roots are found to be deeply entwined. Unearthed artefacts, like the cave drawings in France dating back 15,000 years, illustrate wrestling instances. More specifically, the Olympic tradition of wrestling originates from the athletic contests of ancient Greece, almost 3000 years ago. In these games, the sport held an esteemed position. Epitomizing physical power and technique, wrestling was indeed a part of the pentathlon, a key discipline combining five different sports.
Understanding Wrestling Categories
Freestyle Wrestling stands as one of the two styles sanctioned for international competition by United World Wrestling. This sport provides athletes with the freedom to use their legs in both defense and offense, and allows holds below the waist. Examples of techniques commonly employed in this category include single and double-leg takedowns, snapdowns, and ankle picks. The bout continues on the mat as both opponents attempt to score points through a variety of rolls, tilts and pinning combinations.
The second leading international style, categorized as the classic form of the sport, is Greco-Roman Wrestling. In contrast to Freestyle, Greco-Roman competitors are explicitly prohibited from using their legs in offensive maneuvers and from holding their opponents below the belt. This interaction demands an upper body strength focus, with moves relying heavily on throws. Examples include head-and-arm throws, shoulder throws, and straight body lifts.
The Journey of Wrestling in the Olympics
Highs and Lows of Wrestling in Olympic History
August 1896 marks a significant month for wrestling, it made its debut in the modern Olympics at Athens, restoring its legacy from the ancient Greek games. Over the course of the twentieth century, wrestling remained a staple of the Summer Games. Despite the minor low in 1900 when wrestling was temporarily dropped, it was reinstated in the 1904 St Louis Olympics and has been a consistent feature ever since.
Mesmerizing performances have defined the highs of this sport. Aleksandr Karelin of Russia, with three golds and one silver from 1988 to 2000 in Greco-Roman wrestling, exemplifies wrestling’s golden legacy. In stark contrast, the hollow period around London’s 1908 Olympic Games paints a low picture. Greco-Roman was the sole style that year with few participants, conveying a momentary slump in wrestling’s journey.
The 2013 Controversy and Wrestling’s Reinstatement
In February 2013, the wrestling community faced a jolt. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in a surprise move, decided to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympics core sports. Wrestling was pitted against seven other sports for a single slot—cast into a precarious uncertainty.
But wrestling’s Olympic journey didn’t end there. Seven months after the controversial proposal, the IOC reversed the decision. Wrestling triumphantly reclaimed its place in the 2020 Tokyo Games following worldwide appeals and comprehensive reforms from wrestling’s governing body, FILA. Thus, even amid trials, wrestling echoed its resilience and enduring popularity. The sport bounced back, reasserting its Olympic status.
A Resilient Journey in the Olympic Games
So, is wrestling an Olympic sport. The answer is a resounding yes. Wrestling’s journey from the ancient Greek games to the modern Olympics is a testament to its enduring appeal and resilience. Despite facing challenges, such as a brief removal and periods of low participation, it’s always bounced back stronger. Memorable moments like Aleksandr Karelin’s dominance and the 2013 reinstatement after global appeals further underscore wrestling’s significance in the Olympic landscape.