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OLYMPICTIONARY
Wrestling is a very old sport that began more than 2,000 years ago in Greece. The objective of the game is to press the other wrestler's shoulders to the floor, or mat. When this happens, it is called a "pin". A pin ends a match.
There are two different kinds of wrestling at the Olympic games: Greco Roman and Freestyle. In Greco-Roman Wrestling, the wrestler can use his arms and body to make the other wrestler fall over. In Freestyle Wrestling, wrestlers may use their legs too.
To protect the other wrestler, there are strict rules about each wrestler's body. Wrestlers need to keep their fingernails short and they cannot have a beard. They cannot wear any jewelry and they are not allowed to be sweaty. Wrestlers must keep a handkerchief tucked into their outfit at all times. This is a rule that began long ago when handkerchiefs were used to wipe runny noses, drool, and even blood from the wrestler's face.
Ones to Watch: Keep and eye out for Russia's Alexander Karelin. He has won seven straight World Championships and is the first Greco-Roman wrestler to win three gold medals at the Olympics.
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