Russia in line to dominate Olympic wrestling

RUSSIA look set to repeat their Athens heroics in the wrestling arena and dominate the podium in Beijing.

The Russians ran away with the competition four years ago amassing an impressive ten podium finishes including five gold medals - three clear of their nearest rivals Uzbekistan.

And they have continued their global domination of the world's oldest competitive sport by clinching seven titles at the 2007 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Leading the line is 26-year-old Athens freestyle 96kg champion, Khadjimourat Gatsalov and Alexei Michine - the only Russian Greco-Roman world champion.

But looking to spoil the Russian party are Hamid Soryan the 55kg world champion from Iran and Georgia's world winning pair of David Bedinadze (60kg) and Ramaz Nozadze (96kg).

The women's discipline is ruled by the Japanese and in particular Olympic champions Kaori Icho and Saori Yoshida.

The duo dominated the Games four years ago - when the women's version made its Olympic debut - by scoring four gold medals.

Wrestlers from 41 countries and regions qualified for the classical Greco-Roman event, where only hands and upper bodies can be used to attack and defend.

And 43 will contest in the freestyle where legs can be used for pushing, lifting and tripping as well as holding their opponents below the waist.

STEPHEN BOND