|
 |
||||||||||||
| Wrestling is one of the oldest sports, taking place at the original ancient Games. Naturally, it has therefore since been included in all of the modern Games. The goal of wrestling is to pin both of your opponent's shoulders to the ground. Once a pin occurs, the match is over.
If a pin does not occur, the goal is to get as many points as possible within the three allotted two-minute rounds. A "takedown" can be 1 to 5 points depending on how grandiose the throw was. For example, a five point takedown would involve a competitor lifting his/her opponent off the mat while standing and throwing them onto the mat so that their feet go above their head. Fewer points are awarded for moves that do not create as much risk of getting pinned. A reversal, in which a wrestler switches from being the one controlled to the one in control, is worth 1 point for example. Also, stepping out of bounds or getting a penalty can result in points being given to your opponent. Due to modern variations, there are two different styles of wrestling: Greco-Roman and freestyle. Greco-Roman wrestling uses only the upper body to achieve pins and takedowns where as freestyle can use the entire body. Freestyle wrestling is the newer type of style and is big in Britain and the United States. Women compete only in freestyle wrestling while men compete in both Greco-Roman and freestyle. There are 4 female weight classes and a total of 14 male weight classes (seven for each wrestling style). The elimination rounds will produce two competitors for the final, with one taking home the gold. Those who lost to the finalists will compete again each other for one of two bronze medals. As the Official Travel Sponsor for USA Wrestling, we look forward to taking as many friends, family, and fans as possible to London to help cheer on our team! For more information on all things wrestling leading up to the London Games, check out our blog, twitter, and Facebook!
|
