Why Is Wrestling No Longer an Olympic Sport?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Why Is Wrestling No Longer an Olympic Sport? Wrestling, a sport that has been a part of the Olympic Games since ancient times, was shockingly removed from the list of core Olympic sports in 2013. This decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) raised numerous eyebrows and sparked intense debates among athletes, fans, and sports enthusiasts worldwide. The Historic Roots of Wrestling in the Olympics Wrestling has a rich history in the Olympics, dating back to 708 BC in ancient Greece. It was one of the original disciplines included in the modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. For more than a century, wrestling had been an integral part of this prestigious international sporting event. The IOC’s Decision The IOC’s decision to exclude wrestling from the core sports category was primarily based on several factors: Lack of Global Appeal: While wrestling enjoys immense popularity in certain regions like Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North America, it fails to attract significant attention globally. The IOC aims to promote sports that have universal appeal and can engage audiences worldwide. Low Spectator Interest: In recent years, wrestling has struggled to capture the interest of spectators compared to other more visually captivating sports like gymnastics or swimming. The IOC seeks to prioritize sports that can generate high viewership and attendance during the Olympics. Limited Gender Equality: Before its removal as a core sport, wrestling offered significantly fewer opportunities for female athletes compared to male athletes. The IOC has placed great emphasis on gender equality in recent years and encourages sports that provide equal participation opportunities for both genders. Competition from Emerging Sports: The IOC constantly evaluates the relevance and popularity of sports in the ever-changing landscape of global athletics. Wrestling faced tough competition from emerging sports like skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing when the IOC reviewed the program for the 2020 Olympic Games. The Impact on Wrestling The exclusion of wrestling as a core Olympic sport certainly had a profound impact on the wrestling community worldwide. The sport lost its automatic inclusion in future Olympic Games, forcing it to compete for reinstatement alongside other aspiring sports. However, this setback also sparked positive change within wrestling. Recognizing the need to adapt and address the concerns raised by the IOC, international wrestling federations made significant efforts to modernize and revamp the sport. They introduced rule changes to make wrestling more spectator-friendly, increased female participation opportunities, and actively promoted the sport globally. The Road to Reinstatement Wrestling’s exclusion from the core sports category served as a wake-up call for its stakeholders. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) underwent a complete overhaul to align itself with modern Olympic values and requirements. In 2013, wrestling was granted provisional status by the IOC, allowing it to remain on the program for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This gave FILA an opportunity to prove that wrestling deserved a place among core Olympic sports. Through various reforms and initiatives, wrestling successfully showcased its ability to adapt and appeal to a broader audience. A Glorious Return In 2016, at the 129th IOC Session held in Rio de Janeiro, wrestling was officially reintroduced as a core Olympic sport. This decision marked a significant victory for wrestlers worldwide who had fought tirelessly for their beloved sport’s place in the Olympic Games. Wrestling’s journey from exclusion to reinstatement serves as a testament to the sport’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering support from its global community. It highlights the importance of constant evolution and innovation to meet the ever-changing demands of modern sports. In conclusion, while wrestling’s temporary removal from the Olympic program was met with disappointment and controversy, it ultimately led to positive changes within the sport. The IOC’s decision forced wrestling to evolve and address its shortcomings, ensuring a stronger and more inclusive future for this ancient and beloved athletic discipline.
