What Are the Two Wrestling Disciplines at the Olympics?

Wrestling is a popular combat sport that has been a part of the Olympic Games for centuries. It is a physically demanding discipline that requires strength, agility, and technique.

At the Olympics, there are two wrestling disciplines that athletes compete in: Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling. Let’s take a closer look at these two exciting forms of wrestling.

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world and has been included in every modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. In this discipline, wrestlers are only allowed to use their upper bodies and arms to execute moves. The use of legs for offensive or defensive maneuvers is strictly prohibited.

Rules and Techniques

In Greco-Roman wrestling, the objective is to execute various throws and holds to gain control over your opponent. The goal is to pin your opponent’s shoulders onto the mat or gain points by executing well-executed throws or takedowns.

• Throws: Greco-Roman wrestlers are known for their spectacular throws, where they lift their opponents off the ground and forcefully drive them onto their backs.
• Parterre: Another unique aspect of Greco-Roman wrestling is the parterre position. When a wrestler fails to score any points during a match, they can be placed in this position where their opponent starts on top and tries to score points by executing various holds.
• No Leg Attacks: As mentioned earlier, wrestlers are not allowed to use their legs for offensive moves such as leg attacks or trips.

Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is another popular form of wrestling at the Olympics. It differs from Greco-Roman wrestling as it allows wrestlers to use both their upper and lower bodies to execute moves. This discipline is often considered more dynamic and fast-paced compared to Greco-Roman wrestling.

Rules and Techniques

In freestyle wrestling, wrestlers can use a variety of techniques to score points. The objective is to pin your opponent’s shoulders onto the mat or score points by executing takedowns, throws, or exposing your opponent’s back to the mat.

• Takedowns: Freestyle wrestlers often use single-leg or double-leg takedowns to bring their opponents down to the mat.
• Exposure: One of the key strategies in freestyle wrestling is exposing your opponent’s back to the mat. This can be done through various techniques such as gut wrenches, leg laces, or lifts.
• Leg Attacks: Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestlers can perform leg attacks such as trips and sweeps using their legs.

In Conclusion

Both Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling provide thrilling spectacles at the Olympic Games. While Greco-Roman focuses on upper-body techniques and throws, freestyle allows for a wider range of attacks using both the upper and lower body. Whether you prefer the traditional artistry of Greco-Roman wrestling or the dynamic nature of freestyle wrestling, both disciplines showcase incredible athleticism, strength, and skill from some of the world’s finest wrestlers.