Wrestling - Freestyle

Wrestling was one of the sports in the program of the first ancient Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Greco-Roman wrestling – where only arms and upper bodies are involved – was contested at the 1896 modern Olympic Games without weight classes, then dropped from the program to return in 1908. Freestyle wrestling debuted in 1904. Women's freestyle was only added as recently as 2004. Wrestling has been part of the Pan American Games since 1951.

Wrestlers win a match once they win two out of three two-minute periods or pin their opponent (on his/her back) for at least two seconds. This is a "fall" which is acknowledged by the referee by blowing the whistle and striking the mat with his or her hand. Periods are decided by who scored the most points.

If the score is tied 0-0 at a period's conclusion, the referee tosses a disk to determine who will take the grip. The wrestler of the colour winning the toss will take the grip and is required to score within 30 seconds or the opponent will receive one point. Whoever wins the point wins the period. This same idea occurs in Greco-Roman wrestling with a hold "par terre" position – except wrestlers are instructed to get in this position after one minute elapses in a period.

Technical points are awarded according to how difficult the hold was. One point is awarded for throwing a wrestler down on his/her chest and two points if he lands in a dangerous position (on the back) even for a moment. More advanced moves score three points while five points are given to a wrestler who lifts the opponent and throws him/her in an arc down on his/her back.

Athletes

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