Rulon Gardner vs Aleksandr Karelin (2000 wrestling)
The underdog who ended a 13-year unbeaten streak.
via Wikipedia: Rulon Gardner · see source
Rulon Gardner defeated Russia's three-time reigning Olympic gold medalist Aleksandr Karelin in the final of the 2000 Olympic Games. Karelin had been previously unbeaten for 13 years in international competition. Gardner won the gold medal with a 1-0 victory, a result widely considered one of the biggest upsets ever in sports. Odds for Gardner had him as a 2000 to 1 underdog against Karelin.
Quick Facts
- Olympics
- 2000 Sydney
- Winner
- Rulon Gardner (USA)
- Loser
- Aleksandr Karelin (Russia)
Lore & Background
He had been undefeated for 13 years in international competition and had not given up a point in six years prior to his loss to Gardner. Karelin had won the previous match against Gardner in 1997 with a score of 5–0. Rulon Gardner, a former college wrestler from Wyoming, was a 2000 to 1 underdog. The match itself was a tense, defensive struggle. Gardner's game plan was to neutralize Karelin's signature move, the 'Karelin Lift,' by maintaining constant pressure and avoiding deep underhooks. The only score came in the second period when Karelin was penalized for passivity, giving Gardner a 1-0 lead. Karelin could not escape the deficit, and when the final whistle blew, Gardner had done the impossible.
Reader's Guide
The match took place at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Gardner had already pulled off a major upset in the semifinals by defeating the defending silver medalist. The final pitted Gardner against Karelin, who had been undefeated for 13 years and had not given up a point in six years. Gardner's strategy was to deny Karelin any chance to use his signature lift by maintaining constant pressure and avoiding deep underhooks. The match was scoreless through the first period. In the second, Karelin was penalized for passivity, giving Gardner a 1-0 lead. Karelin could not break Gardner's defense, and the match ended with that single point. It is remembered as one of the biggest upsets ever in sports. The match is studied by wrestlers and sports fans alike as a masterclass in defensive wrestling and mental fortitude.
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