IOC Decision on Wrestling Hurts Olympic Brand
This week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to drop wrestling as an Olympic sport. This devastating decision comes after years of challenging times for our nation’s wrestlers, who, despite facing a large brunt of the cuts due to Title IX proportionality, have remained resilient.
Here’s an official response:
The ancient sport of wrestling is emblematic of the Olympic spirit.
It has unique, historic significance as one of the original sports included both in the first modern Olympic Games and ancient Greek games. Athletes in 177 countries participate in the sport. 71 of those nations sent wrestlers to the 2012 London Olympics.
Wrestling links together many nations, even ones that have been historic geopolitical rivals. Bridging those political differences through peaceful athletic competition has always been one of the bedrock objectives of the Games. The IOC’s decision to eliminate wrestling from the Olympics will undermine that noble goal, and irreparably damage the Olympic brand.
Eric Pearson, Chairman of the American Sports Council
Also check out our round-up of stories that express the disappointment following the IOC’s announcement:
“Wrestling is The Olympic Games” – Always Summer Blog
“American wrestlers vow to fight IOC decision to drop sport from Olympics” – Washington Post
“Ode to wrestling: IOC killing sport itself” – Chicago Tribune
“Wrestling Community Questions Removal Of Sport From Olympics” – Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan
“Region’s coaches unhappy with IOC recommendation to eliminate wrestling” – CTPost.com
“Local wrestling community outraged over IOC’s decision” – My Central Jersey
“Olympics: IOC surprises wrestlers by dropping sport” – Columbus Dispatch
“IOC wrestling decision unfair, wrong” – ESPN
“Goe: IOC decision to shoulder aside wrestling is more of the same for local college coaches” – Oregonian
“Braley ‘outraged’ over IOC wrestling decision” – Telegraph Herald
“IOC’s decision to drop wrestling unifies sport” – Trib Live
“Colleges could feel impact of losing wrestling from Olympics” – Chicago Tribune