After a major vote by the International Olympic Committee this morning, wrestling has been added back into the Olympic games for 2020 and 2024. One of the world's most ancient sports, wrestling was removed seven months ago, with committee members sighting its perceived lack of global interest and low ratings for television networks.
Changes will be made to the sport in an attempt to give Olympic wrestling a face-lift before the 2016 summer games. According to a report from USA Today, these changes borrow from the extremely popular MMA world, and may include a change in attire (no more singlets), a different color wrestling mat to look better on television, and visual effects including music and lighting for entrances to make the games "more entertaining".
Fans of Olympic wrestling can thank IOC board member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who lobbied to keep it a part of the quadrennial summer classic. Thanks to him and all the supporters who rallied behind the sport, including a large campaign by Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle and TNA Wrestling. It was decided this weekend that the 2020 Olympic games will take place in Tokyo, Japan.
