By SEAN PATRICK QUIGLEY
Representatives of the United States, Russia and Iran – usually on opposing sides of the geo-politcal canvas – came together at the UN on Tuesday to grapple with a common international problem.
Keeping wrestling in the Olympics.
With the sport in jeopardy for the 2020 contests, the world’s top wrestling countries planned a “Rumble on the Rails,” Wednesday at Grand Central Station, to foster support for wrestling as an official Olympic competiton.
Grunt-and-groaners of the three nations met at a press conference, luncheon and unofficial weigh-in at the United Nations lounge to drum up attention following the Olympic committee’s recommendation that wrestling be removed from the core events at the 2020 games which could take place in either Istanbul, Madrid or Tokyo.
Despite the political shakiness among the three nations, all came together in solidarity under the importance of protecting a sport with deep cultural veins in their countries.
“Wrestling is a part of who man is,” said U.S. coach and former Olympian Zeke Jones. “ I hope tomorrow showcases that. We want to show how through the vehicle of wrestling we can bring people together.”
Coach for the Russian team, Christakis Alexandris expressed his pride that, “The three strongest teams of the world can come together to show wrestling is an important part of life for so many people.”
As Iranian manager Rasoul Khadem said, “Where I come from wrestling is not just a sport but a part of culture and history.” He continued, “ to save wrestling in the Olympics is in the heart and desires of the people who lived with the sport for hundreds of years.”
The respective teams roamed the UN building, taking photos, laughing and posing for the cameras before the unofficial weigh-in (which took place before their meal).
American wrestler J.D Bergman expressed the “huge shock at the risk of losing the first sport of mankind in the Olympics,” and referred to wrestling as “one of the most humbling sports in the world,” which he hopes to help preserve in the upcoming bout.
The event will be aired live on NBC, and will kick off with the U.S facing Iran at 3:30p.m, and facing Russia at 6p.m.
Meanwhile, high school wrestlers who are part of “Beat the Streets,” one organization involved with the event, will also take the stage at the venue to raise money for youth wrestling throughout the city.
President of FILA, the International Federation of Associated Wrestling, Nenad Lalovic confirmed that the wrestling community is “face to face with its biggest challenge.” However, “we will face this challenge with dignity, respect and fierce pride and determination.”
Photo: Wrestlers Weigh In. Photo by Sean Patrick Quigley
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