Rulon Gardner vs Aleksandr Karelin (2000 wrestling)

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.

In Their Own Story

The Sydney SuperDome fell silent as the two giants stepped onto the mat. Karelin, a mountain of muscle and legend, stared across at Gardner, a quiet man from a dairy farm. The first period was a war of attrition, a slow dance of grips and counter-grips. Gardner refused to be lifted. He planted his feet like oak roots. The second period began, and the referee called a clinch. Karelin, for the first time in memory, looked uncertain. A penalty was called against him for passivity. One point to Gardner. The clock ticked. Karelin lunged, but Gardner’s arms were iron. The final buzzer sounded. Gardner raised his arms, his face a mask of stunned joy. The unbeatable had been beaten.

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.

Did You Know?

• Karelin had not given up a point in six years prior to his loss to Gardner.
• Odds for Gardner had him as a 2000 to 1 underdog against Karelin.
• Karelin had won the previous match against Gardner in 1997 with a score of 5–0.
• Gardner's win made him the only American to ever win both a World and Olympic title in Greco-Roman wrestling.