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GoliathVanquished

Azcuy’s performance in 2000 is not well remembered as it pales in comparison to what most experts feel is the biggest upset in the history of Greco-Roman wrestling—and one of the biggest in all of sports. Russian Aleksandr Karelin had won three straight gold medals from 1988 through 1996 in the super heavyweight (130 kg [287 lb]) class, but that was the tip of the iceberg that was the Russian Bear.

Karelin had dominated the sport, coming into Sydney unbeaten for 13 years and not having conceded a single point in six years. In the final he faced Rulon Gardner, a Wyoming farm boy who wrestled at the University of Nebraska. Karelin had beaten him 5-0 three years earlier in their only previous meeting. This time, Gardner fought off all his attacks and attempts to lift and throw him. His lone second-period point stood for the win and the historic upset.

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