What Are the Olympic Weights for Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is an ancient sport that has been a part of the Olympic Games since its inception in 1896. Over the years, it has evolved and grown in popularity, captivating audiences around the world. One crucial aspect of wrestling is the use of weights to categorize athletes into different weight classes. These weight classes ensure fair competition and create an even playing field for all participants. In this article, we will explore the Olympic weights for wrestling and understand how they impact the sport. Weight Classes in Wrestling Wrestling competitions have different weight classes for both men and women. These weight classes vary slightly between freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, which are the two styles of wrestling contested in the Olympics. Men’s Freestyle Wrestling Weight Classes 57kg (Flyweight): This weight class is for wrestlers who weigh up to 57 kilograms (125 pounds). 65kg (Featherweight): Wrestlers in this category can weigh up to 65 kilograms (143 pounds). 74kg (Lightweight): The lightweight division allows wrestlers weighing up to 74 kilograms (163 pounds). 86kg (Middleweight): Middleweight wrestlers can weigh up to 86 kilograms (190 pounds). 97kg (Light Heavyweight): This category includes wrestlers weighing up to 97 kilograms (214 pounds). 125kg (Heavyweight): Heavyweight is the highest weight class, with no upper limit on weight. Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling Weight Classes 59kg (Bantamweight): This weight class is for wrestlers who weigh up to 59 kilograms (130 pounds). 66kg (Featherweight): Wrestlers in this category can weigh up to 66 kilograms (145 pounds). 77kg (Lightweight): The lightweight division allows wrestlers weighing up to 77 kilograms (170 pounds). 87kg (Middleweight): Middleweight wrestlers can weigh up to 87 kilograms (192 pounds). 97kg (Heavyweight): Heavyweight is the highest weight class in Greco-Roman wrestling, with no upper limit on weight. Women’s Freestyle Wrestling Weight Classes 50kg (Flyweight): This weight class is for female wrestlers who weigh up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds). 53kg (Bantamweight): Female wrestlers in this category can weigh up to 53 kilograms (117 pounds). 57kg (Featherweight): The featherweight division allows female wrestlers weighing up to 57 kilograms (125 pounds). 62kg (Lightweight): Lightweight female wrestlers can weigh up to 62 kilograms (136 pounds). 68kg (Middleweight): Middleweight is the highest weight class for women, with no upper limit on weight. The Olympic weights for wrestling provide a structure that ensures fair competition and allows athletes of similar sizes and strengths to compete against each other. These weight classes also play a significant role in determining an athlete’s training, diet, and overall strategy leading up to the competition. It is worth noting that these weight classes may vary slightly in non-Olympic wrestling competitions, as different governing bodies or organizations might have their own specific weight class divisions. Conclusion Understanding the Olympic weights for wrestling is crucial for both athletes and fans of the sport. These weight classes create a level playing field and ensure fair competition among wrestlers. Whether it’s freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestling, men’s or women’s divisions, each weight class has its own set of challenges and strategies. So next time you watch a wrestling match in the Olympics, pay attention to the weight class and appreciate the skills and dedication of these athletes.
