History of Olympic Wrestling Uniforms
A Look at the Mandatory Clothing From Ancient Greece to Today
Wrestling has been a sport throughout the ages, and is one of oldest Olympic Sports. Throughout the ages, the uniform of wrestlers has changed drastically.
Olympic Games
The sport of wrestling did not become an Olympic event until 708 B.C. Wrestling was practiced throughout the Middle Ages (the fifth century to the fifteenth century) in the form of entertainment for royalty; and was later brought to America by the early settlers. The Olympic Games were revived in 1896 and were held in Athens, Greece. Wrestling has been on the agenda for the Games ever since its revival, except in the year 1900 and also when the Games were not held during the World Wars.
Uniform of the Greeks
During the ancient Olympic Games, all competitors were male and all competitors were nude. This rule was implemented after a woman was discovered posing as a man during the Games. For the sport of wrestling, the wrestlers of ancient Olympics (after being stripped) were covered in olive oil and dust. The idea of the dust was to make them easier to grip one another.
Uniform of the early 1900s
According to Sandra Gentizon of the International Olympic Committee, there was no official dress code for wrestlers until 1908. However, in images from “1900 Photo Series” found on Tom_Fortunato's_Amateur_Wrestling_Website, wrestlers are shown wearing either tight-fitting shorts (in varying lengths) or briefs with soft soled boots. These shorts or briefs were most likely made from cotton.
The Singlet
The singlet is today’s mandatory uniform for wrestling. The primary material of a singlet is nylon. It's look is comparable to a female one-piece bathing suit except it has a lower neckline and it covers the legs (like leggings). The length of the singlet depends on the style of wrestling. The singlet length for both styles, Greco-Roman and freestyle, is mandated by the Olympic Committee (found on their website). The ancient style is known as Greco-Roman, and their singlets are full or knee-length. The newer style of wrestling, Freestyle, has a different type of singlet, which restricts the length of the leggings because their singlet may not extend past the wrestler's mid-thigh.
Additional Modern Rules
The Olympic Committee also mandates that all wrestlers, both Greco-Roman and Freestyle, cannot wear headgear, bandages on their body (except in the case of an injury), jewelry, greasy or sticky substances on their body, nor any object that can cause injury to the opponent. They are required to wear soft-soled shoes with no heels; a description of wrestling shoes. Only Freestyle wrestlers may wear light knee pads.
Wrestling, a timeless sport, has undergone many changes in its dresscode: from oiled naked bodies to a skin-tight singlet and shoes. Other changes in Olympic Wrestling have occurred over time as well.
Sources:
Olympic Flag in Greece
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