Wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports and was part of the military training among the Greeks. It was included in the classical Olympic Games and was one of the main events. The Romans later adopted the sport in a less violent form in the arenas, and wrestling maintained its popularity. At the first modern Olympic Games, the sport, in the form of Greco-Roman wrestling, was immediately on the program. In 1904, a second variant, ‘freestyle’ wrestling, was introduced during the Olympics.
The goal in both is identical: two opponents try to throw each other to the ground and pin their shoulders to the mat using holds and techniques. The difference between the two disciplines is that in freestyle wrestling, holds below the waist are allowed and the legs can also be used, whereas in Greco-Roman wrestling this is not permitted. The latter sport is also only allowed for men, while women have their own Olympic competition in freestyle wrestling.
Wrestling at the Olympic Games
During the Olympic Games, athletes are divided into seven weight categories (four for women). A wrestler must have muscle strength, technique, and agility. Learning wrestling holds, such as arm or leg locks, requires years of training. Besides technique, athletes also train their muscle strength to break free from the opponent’s holds or to maintain control over the opponent. Wrestling matches are overseen by a match committee consisting of a mat chairman, referee, three scorers, and three jury members.
As the match progresses, participants earn points for good holds, attacks, and throws. The match is won if the opponent is pinned with both shoulders on the mat for more than five seconds or if a participant has a lead of 12 points. If six minutes have been wrestled and there is no winner yet, the wrestler with the most points is declared the winner.
Rules of Wrestling
During tournaments, wrestlers are divided into two pools. If a participant loses twice, they are eliminated. The winners of both pools compete against each other for gold and silver. The runners-up in the pools compete for bronze.
Points are awarded for each hold (1, 2, 3, or 5 points). Winning can be achieved in the following ways:
- By pinning (both shoulders of the opponent pressed against the mat)
- By point superiority (if the difference is 12 points or more)
- By points (if the regulation time has elapsed, points are counted)
- By disqualification or surrender of the opponent
The following match points are awarded to the winning and losing wrestler respectively:
- 5 : 0 for a pin
- 5 : 0 for victory by opponent’s surrender due to injury
- 5 : 0 in case of disqualification for rule violations
- 4 : 0 for victory by technical superiority (6-point difference during two periods) and the loser scored no points
- 4 : 1 for victory by technical superiority (6-point difference during two periods), but the loser scored at least 1 technical point
- 3 : 0 for point victory in two of three periods without technical points for the loser
- 3 : 1 for point victory in two of three periods, but the loser scored at least 1 technical point
- 0 : 0 if both wrestlers are disqualified for rule violations
