Wrestlers react to reinstatement of wrestling in Olympics
IOC, which had removed wrestling as a sport from Olympics earlier this year, reinstated the sport after a few revamp in its rules . Pro-wrestlers and other wrestling supporters breathed a sigh of relief after the sport managed to beat baseball and squash which were also in the running for the vacant spot.
Wrestling, which is one of the original Olympic sports, was previously voted out of the 2020 Olympics. Naturally, it drew the ire of fans and supporters of the sport around the world.
Wrestling will now be part of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan as well the 2024 Games. The announcement has come as a relief for all the people who had working towards getting the sport reinstated by putting pressure on the IOC using various offline and online campaigns. Kurt Angle and other wrestlers showed their anticipation for this decision over twitter.
Very Important Day for #Saveolympicwrestling. Make Sure the IOC Knows how Much We Care About Our History and Sport. Thanks. @tnaDixie.
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) September 8, 2013
TODAY is one of the most important days in the 3,000 year history of our sport. We must #SaveOlympicWrestling. Let the IOC hear us! PLS RT — Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) September 8, 2013
The official news was announced on Twitter:
Wrestling added to the Olympic programme for 2020 and 2024 Games #BA2013 #olympics
— Olympics (@Olympics) September 8, 2013
Wrestling chief Nunad Lalovic said, “the most important day in the 3,000-year history of our sport”. He also said, “With this vote, you have shown that the steps we have taken to improve our sport have made a difference.
“I assure each of you that our modernisation will not stop now. We will continue to strive to be the best partner to the Olympic Movement that we can be.”
However, the decision was made possible only after a few changes to the rules of wrestling. The biggest changes that are being made to wrestling is the removal of the red carpet, which officials felt looked awkward on TV. Plus, wrestlers will get entrance music and visual effects.
Several wrestlers reacted to the decision on Twitter.
We all saved #OlympicWrestling #sisisi #Wrestling is back in the Olympics Todos salvamos la lucha olimpica, esta de regreso para el 2020
— Alberto Del Rio (@VivaDelRio) September 8, 2013
We did it!!! WRESTLING will continue to be a Olympic Sport!!! #SAVEDOlympicWrestling SAVEDOlympicWrestling SAVEDOlympicWrestling — Jack Swagger (@RealJackSwagger) September 8, 2013
The @sonnench and Iron Sheik know that the IOC would be big time jabroni that we make tap out if they didn’t put our sport in 2020 Oympic
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) September 8, 2013