After seven months of uncertainty, the wrestling community around the world finally has closure, after a member vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sept. 8 re-instated the sport for the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
In February of this year, IOC confirmed the elimination of wrestling from the core-sports of the Olympic Games, and removed it from the 2020 Olympics onward. Other sports such as baseball and softball were also affected. For both Clan athletes and wrestlers across the globe, the past seven months — since the IOC released the shocking statement that threatened to change the face of their sport — have been difficult and unprecedented.
Wrestlers were undeterred however, as the decision led to a six month-long campaign from the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) to create a bid for possible reinstatement, and to save the future of one of the world’s oldest sports.
FILA’s campaign included changes to their structure, and featured the adding of several additional women’s events, as well as increasing the point scoring to make it more exciting for viewers.
Clan men’s wrestling coach Justin Abdou, a former Canadian Olympian in the 2000 Games in Sydney, says that the decision to save wrestling was the best possible outcome for the sport. “This is huge news, not just for high performance and collegiate athletes, but for any and every person involved in the sport,” he said. “The Olympics are our flagship event, and not being associated with the Games would be devastating.”
Abdou explained that the Clan has a rich history in the Olympic Games, with over 40 SFU alumni Olympic appearances and a combined six podium performances, including two gold medal efforts. Those two gold medalists and two of the Clan’s most prominent wrestling alumni, Carol Huynh and Daniel Igali, had pivotal roles in the reversal of the elimination, acting as two of five panelists from around the world that made up the sport’s delegation at the Sept. 8 vote.
The panelists shared personal and emotional speeches about the importance of the sport in their lives and the importance it will have for young athletes growing up worldwide.
Abdou agrees on the impact of the sport on the world, and explained that without the Olympic dream, numerous young athletes would be training without the goal of qualifying for one of the world’s more premier events. “Watching those athletes on the Olympic stage is extremely inspiring for any young athletes, and it is so important for those possibilities to exist,” he said.
Clan athletes compete at a high collegiate level, with the men competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, while the women compete in the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association. SFU has historically had great success in their collegiate competitions, including an NCAA All-American in Skylor Davis, and a WCWA championship and numerous individual titles all in 2013.
Looking forward now, the athletes can continue to focus on improving, and striving to earn those coveted Olympic appearances. Following the decision, wrestlers across the world will once again have the opportunity to represent their countries in the Olympic Games, at least through 2024. The six months of resilience and uncertainty have come to a successful end.
“Wrestling is about the Olympics,” said Clan wrestler Ryan Yewchin. “Everyone who has ever stepped on a mat has envisioned themselves winning an Olympic gold medal, and that vision is secure for three more Olympic Games.”
