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Olympicfreestyle wrestlingSoviet Union
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Greco-Roman wrestling
sport
Greco-Roman wrestling, style of wrestling practiced in Olympic and international amateur competition. In Greco-Roman wrestling the legs may not be used in any way to obtain a fall, and no holds may be taken below the waist. Other rules and procedures for Greco-Roman wrestling are the same as those for freestyle wrestling, the other international amateur style.
wrestlingOverview of wrestling, including a discussion of the freestyle and Greco-Roman styles.Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz
Greco-Roman wrestling originated in France in the early 19th century, in imitation of classical Greek and Roman representations of the sport. It became favoured in Scandinavian countries, and Swedish and Finnish wrestlers won many Olympic titles from 1912 to 1948, after which the Soviet Union and other countries came to the fore.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn, Managing Editor.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:
wrestling: Modern wrestling
…that ultimately dominated international wrestling: Greco-Roman wrestling and catch-as-catch-can, or freestyle wrestling. Greco-Roman wrestling, popularized first in France, was so called because it was thought to be the kind of wrestling done by the ancients. Greco-Roman wrestling involves holds made only above the waist and forbids wrapping the legs about…
Olympic Games
Olympic Games, athletic festival that originated in ancient Greece and was revived in the late 19th century. Before the 1970s the Games were officially limited to competitors with amateur status, but in the 1980s many events were opened to professional athletes. Currently, the Games are open to all, even the…
freestyle wrestling
Freestyle wrestling, one of three styles of wrestling used in international amateur competition (the others are Greco-Roman wrestling and sambo) under supervision of the Fédération Internationale de Lutte Amateur (International Amateur Wrestling Federation). It was derived from the English Lancashire, or catch-as-catch-can, style, in which nearly all holds were permitted.…
Wrestling
Wrestling, sport practiced in various styles by two competitors, involving forcing an opponent to touch the ground with some part of the body other than his feet; forcing him into a certain position, usually supine (on his back); or holding him in that position for a minimum length of time.…
Mijaín López
Mijaín López, Cuban wrestler who won three consecutive Greco-Roman wrestling gold medals at the Olympic Games (2008, 2012, and 2016). López began wrestling when he was 10 years old. His large stature was well suited to wrestling—he was nicknamed “the Kid” as an ironic nod to his incredible size and…
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More About Greco-Roman wrestling
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place in history of wrestling- In wrestling: Modern wrestling
- In wrestling: Modern wrestling
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Greco-Roman wrestling
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