ACOG - News - IBM

(1 August 1996; Day 13)

USA-RUS Freestyle Wrestling Rivalry Brings Back Memories

Reports of the Russian Federation's wrestling demise, which originally emanated after the Greco-Roman wrestling competition, concluded last week, may be greatly exaggerated.

The United States and the Russian Federation began a furious head-to-head rivalry the first day of Group B competition Thursday at the Georgia World Congress Center. Tom BRANDS of the United States avenged two previous losses by beating Sergei SMAL of Belarus, a former Soviet competitor, 5-0, early in the evening session. But the Russians took over as Andrey SHUMILIN stunned two-time Olympic gold medalist Bruce BAUMGARTNER (USA), 6-1. Meanwhile, Makharbek KHADARTSEV (RUS) kept his hopes for a third straight Olympic gold medal alive with a 4-1 victory over Melvin Douglas (USA).

It is a scene reminiscent of the old days at the Olympic Games and the World Championships, when the United States and the Soviet Union staged their annual and quadrennial battles for freestyle wrestling supremacy.

SHUMILIN lost twice in dual meets in the United States earlier this year, once to BAUMGARTNER. But he got the last laugh Thursday, breaking out to an early 4-0 lead and coasting to the victory.

"On that first maneuver, I had a whizzer in," BAUMGARTNER said. "I slipped off his arm, hit my hip to the mat, slid off, and he drove me over. I still thought I could come back to win. It's real difficult to get going on a guy with a four-point lead."

KHADARTSEV, who beat DOUGLAS in the semifinals of the 1995 World Championships by a 2-2 referee's decision that many observers felt should have been awarded to DOUGLAS, never let the American get started in Thursday's match.

"That was part of my strategy, to always put constant pressure on my opponent," KHADARTSEV said. "That is what helped me win."

The battle continues in Friday morning's semifinal round with two more head-to-head battles. At 62kg, BRANDS (USA) takes on Magomed AZIZOV (RUS) in a battle of former World Champions. At 74kg, Kenny MONDAY tries for his third straight berth in an Olympic gold-medal match against SAYTYEV.

So far, the Russian wrestlers have held their own.

"Facing United States wrestlers here is very difficult," KHADARTSEV said. "Here in Atlanta we are not only facing the wrestler, but they are getting help from the judges as well."

Despite their losses, DOUGLAS and BAUMGARTNER remain alive for bronze medals. BAUMGARTNER could become the first four-time medalist in Olympic freestyle wrestling history.

"What I want to do is represent my country and come back for the bronze," BAUMGARTNER said. "Every time you compete, you challenge yourself. Every match is meaningful. Every medal is meaningful.

"I came here to do my best. I didn't against SHUMILIN. Hopefully, I will get the bronze medal."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Robert Sherrill.


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Olympic Factoid
An estimated 5.3 million visted Centennial Olympic Park between opening day - 13 July - and closing day - 4 August, making the park the most single most visited Olympic site during the Games.