Neuman: Restore Wrestling as an Olympic Sport

State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane, will introduce a concurrent resolution urging the International Olympic Committee to restore wrestling as an Olympic sport for the 2020 Summer Games.

"Wrestling embodies the core ideals of the Olympics and it must remain part of the Summer Games," Neuman said. "The dream of competing in the Olympics has motivated thousands of young people to set goals, work hard and overcome challenges for generations."

The International Olympic Committee executive council voted earlier this month to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympics. The sport has been a staple of Olympic competition from the ancient games to the return of the modern games in 1896.

"Wrestling is part of the culture in many Pennsylvania communities. Many of the best high school wrestlers in the country are from our state and go on to compete in elite college programs like Penn State," Neuman said.

The lawmaker continued: "The Nittany Lions are the two-time defending NCAA national champions and that excellence helped the school to become a regional Olympic training center. Some of the best wrestlers in the world grow up here and train here."

Neuman said wrestling is one of the most successful Olympic sports for the United States. The U.S. won two gold medals at the recent London Games and has a record 113 Olympic wrestling medals.

"When you think of the Summer Olympics, wrestling is one of the first sports that comes to mind. I encourage my colleagues in the Legislature to support this resolution and tell the IOC to keep this wonderful sport as part of the Olympic experience."