Understanding the Wrestling Awards: Why 4 Medals and the Repechage Rounds in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The tradition of awarding bronze medals in wrestling competitions, including the prestigious 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is deeply rooted in the principles of fair competition and the intricate structure of these knockout sports.

Knock-Out Sports and the Goal of Awarding Bronze Medals

In combat sports like wrestling, the ultimate goal is to have the strongest and most skilled wrestlers competing in the final rounds. However, there is a significant challenge in ensuring that top-ranked competitors do not face strong but unwinnable opponents until the very end. This is where the concept of awarding two bronze medals to the losing semi-finalists in some wrestling events comes into play.

The Repechage Rounds: An In-Depth Look

The distinctive and complex nature of the Repechage rounds in wrestling allows for a fairer distribution of medals. After a wrestler loses in the preliminary rounds and enters the Repechage rounds, they have the chance to fight their way back into contention for the coveted bronze medal. This process involves a series of matches against the wrestlers defeated by the eventual finalists.

First Repechage Round: The first round of the Repechage involves wrestlers who were defeated by finalists in the first two rounds. Subsequent Rounds: Each subsequent round has the same structure, with the loser from the previous round facing the wrestler defeated by the finalist in the following round.

This system was exemplified in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where wrestlers like Sushil Kumar (2008), Yogeshwar Dutt (2012), and Sakshi Malik (2016) all secured their Repechage-awarded bronze medals after falling short in their semi-final bouts. Each of these athletes lost to the eventual silver medalist but showcased their resilience and skill throughout the competition.

The History and Evolution of Bronze Medals in Wrestling

The idea of awarding two bronze medals in wrestling traces its roots to a practical solution. Prior to 1970, the Repechage rounds were not in place, and losing quarter finalists would often compete in a separate third-place bout. However, scheduling issues and safety concerns led to a more structured approach.

Originally, the issue was a scheduling problem with too short a turnaround time between the semi-finals and the third-place matches. This logistical challenge affected the recovery time for boxers, who played a critical role in the early reintroduction of structured bronze medal bouts. It wasn't until 1970 that the current system was established, where each losing semi-finalist gets a separate bronze medal.

Between 1954 and 1970, both losing semi-finalists were given an Olympic diploma instead of a bronze medal. The 1972 Munich Olympics marked a significant milestone, as it became the first Games to award two bronze medals in every division. This tradition has continued to this day, ensuring that all Olympic wrestling events feature four medal winners.

The 1972 Munich Games also demonstrate the shift in how bronze medal victories are recognized, with a separate ceremony for the winners of the repechage rounds. This inclusiveness reflects the commitment to fair competition and the recognition of each wrestler's efforts and performance.

Conclusion

The current system of awarding four medals in wrestling, including two bronze medals through the Repechage rounds, is a result of a combination of history, practicality, and a dedication to fair competition. It ensures that all wrestlers have the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn recognition for their athletic achievements, thereby enhancing the overall integrity and spectacle of these Olympic events.