One of the oldest and most respected sports to enter the Olympics in 1896, wrestling has seen some iconic figures compete on the mat. From Greco-Roman to freestyle wrestling, there is nothing quite like holding an opponent down for the ultimate glory.
The Olympics have churned out some decorated wrestling champions over the decades. The Soviet Union holds a firm grip on the medal count, with the U.S. not far behind. Recently, the doors have opened for others to shake things up.
This year should be no different, as the 2024 Summer Games come to Paris. Several stars look to hold gold again, while others look to make an impact for the first time.
Who will be etched in the history books alongside some of the iconic names from the past?
The Sporting News looks into some of the current or past wrestlers to win gold at the Olympics.
Iconic wrestling champions from the Olympics
Aleksandr Karelin (Russia)
Aleksandr Karelin is considered one of the most dominant Greco-Roman wrestlers in the sport’s history.
The “Russian Bear” won gold medals three times at the Olympics (1988, 1992, 1996), one silver (2000), and had over 800 wins at the senior level. With 37 medals in total, he represented three eras of Russian teams (Soviet Union, Unified Team, and Russia).
Aleksandr Medved (Russia)
Another dominant Russian, Aleksandr Medved once held the record for most world and Olympic championships won (ten) in wrestling.
Medved competed in events ranging from 87kg to over 100kg at the freestyle level. He won gold in 1964, 1968, and 1972, serving as the Olympic flag bearer for the Soviet Union in the latter. One of the first inductees into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame, Medved has over thirteen gold medals.
MORE: Full schedule, dates, times for 2024 Summer Games in Paris
Mijain Lopez (Cuba)
With over 37 medals (32 gold), Mijain Lopez currently represents Cuba at the Greco-Roman level. The 41-year-old won gold in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, becoming the first male wrestler to win four Olympic medals. Lopez won gold at weights ranging from 120 to 130kg.
John Smith (U.S.)
One of the greatest freestyle wrestlers to come from America, John Smith’s low single-leg takedown is the stuff of legend. The Oklahoma-born wrestler won gold in 1988 and 1992 after a college career netted him over 150 wins. At the senior level, the two-time NCAA champion added 100 wins to his resume.
Kaori Icho (Japan)
Undefeated from 2003 to 2016, freestyle wrestler Kaori Icho won gold in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, with three medals at 63kg. She is one of the most successful female athletes in and out of wrestling. The 40-year-old has won seventeen medals, all but two of which were gold.
Bruce Baumgartner (U.S.)
A 1982 NCAA Division I champion, Bruce Baumgartner won gold twice in the Olympics (1984, 1992), along with one silver (1988) and one bronze (1996). In 1996 he was selected as the U.S. flag bearer and U.S. Olympic Team captain. Known for his slick mustache, Baumgartner is one of the best super-heavyweight wrestlers, using his power and speed to outshine his opponents.
MORE: Olympics medal count 2024
Buvaisar Saitiev (Russia)
Freestyle wrestler Buvaisar Saitiev won gold at the 1996, 2004, and 2008 Olympics to add to 15 gold medals to his collection. He had a successful career at 74kg that spanned decades, with his only two losses coming in 1994.
Jordan Burroughs (U.S.)
A six-time World Champion, 36-year-old Jordan Burroughs won gold in the 2012 Olympics, shutting down Sadegh Goudarzi on a run that saw him beat other elite competitors. A two-time NCAA Division I and three-time Big 12 Championships gold medalist, Burroughs is an accomplished American fighter, holding the record for the most Olympic and World Championship titles.
Saori Yoshida (Japan)
One of the most decorated freestyle wrestlers, Saori Yoshida won gold thrice (2004, 2008, 2012) at 55kg and silver once (2016) at 53kg, adding to 13 World Championship wins. The daughter of gold medalist Eikatsu Yoshida represents the sport on and off the mat, as Saori advocated for wrestling’s inclusion at the Olympics at a time of doubt.
Dan Gable (U.S.)
A grinder, Dan Gable is a two-time NCAA Division I gold medalist, with three medals overall at the collegiate level. With over 117 wins in college, Gable won all six matches in the 1972 Olympics without giving up a point. That was enough to win gold at 68kg.