TORONTO – The Canadian Olympic Committee issued the following statement on Olympic wrestling. Today the IOC announced plans to drop wrestling from the Olympic.
Olympic wrestling
The International Olympic Committee’s decision on the 25 sports it will propose to the 125th IOC Session for approval as the core sports for the 2020 Olympic Games. The 25 sports are: Athletics, Rowing, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Weightlifting, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Swimming, Modern Pentathlon, Taekwondo, Tennis, Table Tennis, Shooting, Archery, Triathlon, Sailing and Volleyball.
The Executive Board also recommended that Wrestling, not be included on the list of core sports. Wrestling will now join the seven shortlisted sports — Baseball/Softball, Karate, Roller Sports, Sport Climbing, Squash, Wakeboarding and Wushu – vying for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic programme as an additional sport.
“The Canadian Olympic Committee’s main focus remains on this country’s world-class athletes and the advancement of sport in Canada. While we understand that the Olympic Programme Commission systematically reviews every sport following each edition of the Games, we regret that Wrestling may not be a member of the Olympic family in 2020. It is disappointing to potentially lose this important sport from the Canadian Olympic Team roster in 2020. Our country has a long tradition of excellence in this sport exemplifying a proud tradition of being best in class. This reputation includes the historic moment Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame inductee Daniel Igali won Canada’s first-ever Wrestling gold in Sydney. Canada’s stature in the sport was exemplified again most recently in London as Tonya Verbeek and Carol Huynh returned to Canada with silver and bronze respectively -– adding more medals to their legendary Olympic careers. The Canadian Olympic Committee supports and encourages athletes and coaches on their Olympic journey in Wrestling as they strive for excellence in Rio 2016 and continue to represent the Maple Leaf with pride.”
– Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
