 Greco-Roman wrestlers can only attack each other above the waist |
Russia looks set to maintain its traditional dominance in men's Olympic wrestling in Beijing, having held a firm grip on the competition for many years. Russia finished comfortably top of the medal table in Athens, winning five men's gold medals - three more than nearest rival Uzbekistan. Other nations that were formerly part of the USSR tend to fare well in wrestling, as does the USA. This is only the second Games at which women's wrestling will feature. In 2004, Japan took two of the four women's gold medals available on the sport's debut. Two wrestling disciplines, freestyle and Greco-Roman, form the Olympic contests. The main difference is that Greco-Roman wrestlers cannot attack their opponent below the waist. Great Britain has not medalled in Olympic wrestling since the Los Angeles Games in 1984, when Noel Loban claimed bronze in the freestyle light heavyweight event.  Women's wrestling was introduced at the 2004 Games |
One hundred years ago, GB put 27 athletes forward for the Olympic wrestling in London, but so far no British wrestlers have qualified for Beijing 2008. They will try to win places at the European Championships in Finland in April 2008. Most qualification events for the Beijing Games are yet to come, but Russia, the USA, Uzbekistan and the Ukraine all earned several places via the 2007 World Championships.
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