What Kind of Wrestling Is in the Olympics?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in human history, and it has been an integral part of the Olympic Games for centuries. The sport of wrestling not only showcases incredible athleticism and strength but also embodies the values of discipline, determination, and respect. In this article, we will explore the different styles of wrestling that are contested in the Olympics. Folkstyle Wrestling Folkstyle wrestling, also known as collegiate wrestling or scholastic wrestling, is predominantly practiced in the United States. It is characterized by its emphasis on controlling an opponent on the mat. In folkstyle wrestling, athletes compete to secure takedowns, escapes, reversals, and pins to score points. The goal is to gain control over your opponent by pinning them to their back for a determined amount of time. Freestyle Wrestling Freestyle wrestling is one of the two styles contested at the Olympic Games. It is known for its dynamic and high-paced nature. Unlike folkstyle wrestling, freestyle allows wrestlers to score points by exposing their opponent’s back to the mat without necessarily pinning them. Wrestlers can achieve this through a variety of techniques such as throws, takedowns, and holds. Did you know? Freestyle wrestling involves a wide range of weight classes, ensuring fair competition among athletes of similar sizes and strengths. Greco-Roman Wrestling Greco-Roman wrestling is another style featured in the Olympics. It shares similarities with freestyle but differs in one crucial aspect: wrestlers are not allowed to perform any attacks or holds below the waist. This means that leg attacks and trips are prohibited in Greco-Roman wrestling. Athletes must rely solely on upper body techniques to gain an advantage over their opponents. Fun fact: Greco-Roman wrestling originated from ancient Greece and was first included in the modern Olympic Games in 1896. Women’s Freestyle Wrestling Since the 2004 Athens Olympics, women’s freestyle wrestling has been a part of the Olympic program. This addition marked an important milestone for gender equality in sports. Women’s freestyle wrestling follows similar rules to men’s freestyle wrestling, with weight classes and scoring systems remaining consistent. Women compete in various weight categories, just like their male counterparts. The sport has gained immense popularity worldwide, with female wrestlers showcasing their skills and strength on the Olympic stage. Conclusion Wrestling is a sport that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences around the world. The inclusion of different wrestling styles in the Olympics allows athletes from diverse backgrounds to showcase their unique techniques and talents. Whether it be folkstyle, freestyle, Greco-Roman, or women’s freestyle wrestling, each style offers its own excitement and challenges. So next time you tune into the Olympic Games, keep an eye out for these incredible wrestlers as they battle it out for gold!
