#Event Description and Format -- Wrestling#
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Two styles of wrestling are featured in the Olympics and will be
held between September 24-October 1 at the Sydney Exhibition
Center, Halls 1 and 2. 

Freestyle resembles high school and collegiate competition while
Greco-Roman is less popular in the United States.  The main
difference between the two is that Greco-Roman involves only
upper-body maneuvers from the standing position. 

Both competitions are divided into eight weight classes -- cut
down from 10 each in 1996.  Light flyweight and heavyweight were
eliminated, leaving flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight,
lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and
super heavyweight. 

A new system will be introduced in this year's Olympics as the
20 wrestlers in each class will be divided into six unseeded
pools. 

The freestyle event is conducted in three three-minute rounds
and is completed by either a fall or if one wrestler achieves a
12-point advantage.  If a tie results, a sudden-death overtime
period is conducted. 

Greco-Roman is scored and timed in the same fashion as
freestyle.  It was created in 19th century France and named in
honor of the ancient cultures that originated modern sports. 

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