ACOG - Wrestling - IBM

Olympic Wrestling - Greco-Roman Overview

As far back as ancient times, Olympic wrestlers have been collecting pins: not the cloisonne lapel accessories sought after by today's Olympic visitors, but the mat-pounding, shoulder-blade touching, match-ending pins that have thrilled spectators since the first Olympic contests.

At the Centennial Games, 395 freestyle and Greco-Roman competitors will have a chance to add to their collections as they grapple their way through the bracket in their quests for the gold medal. In addition, a few wrestlers at the 1996 Games will have a chance to gather a piece of history. Freestyle entry Bruce BAUMGARTNER (130kg) of the United States could become the first wrestler to win 13 medals in combined Olympic and World Championship competition, and only the third wrestler to win gold medals in three different Olympic Games. Baumgartner won gold medals in 1984 and 1992 and a silver medal in 1988. In the Greco-Roman competition, Alexander KARELIN of Russia is also on the verge of Olympic greatness in seeking his third straight gold medal at 130kg. Already considered one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers of all time, KARELIN has not lost a bout since 1987.

Along with BAUMGARTNER and KARELIN, Olympic wrestling lore is filled with legendary stories of strength, cunning and endurance. In 1912. Greco-Roman wrestlers Martin Klein of Estonia and Alfred ASIKAIINEN of Finland battled for 11 hours and 40 minutes in the longest match in Olympic history. KLEIN finally pinned ASIKAIINEN but was so exhausted he could not compete in the final match and was awarded the silver medal.

Olympic competitors in 1996 will not compete any longer than 6 minutes, but the battles may be just as intense. But while trading pins continues to be a favorite Olympic-year pastime, the wrestlers in Atlanta will hope to give out more than they receive. But for the generous gold medal winners, that may be the best trade of all.

This program is an official publication of The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department.


Olympic Factoid
The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts.