Greek Wrestling

Posted on October 14, 2011 , by charley

In the Valley of Elis, in western Peloponnesus in Greece, lies and Archaeological site. This site is possibly one of the most important historical sites in the world, because it represents the beginning of sport, the beginning of competition, the beginning of the Olympics. This place is Olympia. Olympia was never built as a town but a place where sports were celebrated and gods were worshipped. Olympia was the national shrine of the greeks and the games were held in honour of Zeus, King of the gods. The games were held every 4 years and people from all over Greece came to celebrate the games. 50,000 people could be seated at Olympia

in it infancy the events at Olympia included a simple sprint from one end of the area to the other, gradually more events were included such as Javelin, Discus, Long Jump, Boxing, Chariot Racing and Wrestling.

Possibly the most horrible event a Olympia was "pankration" - all-in wrestling. Eye gouging and biting was banned although that didn't stop some competitors.

Married women were not allowed to attend the Olympics, mainly due to the fact that the competitors didn't wear anything during the events, and the sight of incredibly toned, beautiful bodies could possibly encourage married women to be unfaithful to their husbands. Unmarried women and virgins were allowed to attend Olympia, in fact they would take part in some of the events and could own horses in the chariot races.

The ancient olympics were an incredible event and competitiors had to be obessive about thier fitness as they are today.

2012 sees the Olympics in London, England. The wrestling events will run from the 5th to the 12th of August, where 344 international competitors will battle it out for 18 Gold Medals. Tickets to the Olympics 2012 were difficult to come buy, and customers had to register and place orders with their fingers crossed that they would get the events they really wanted to see.

What will we do at My Wrestling Room? Switch on the TV, sit back with a cold beer and enjoy the wrestling, its the best way to watch.