Wrestling To Have New Look At 2016 Olympics
Monday, September 9th, 2013 -- 8:51 AM
Wrestling is back for the 2016 Olympics, but its new life also will bring about a new look."We will change everything," said Nenad Lalovic, the president of wrestling's international federation (FILA). "The whole scenery of the venue." The red-and-yellow mat will go the way of the full Nelson, replaced perhaps by shades of blue.
"Our singlets are so old fashioned," Lalovic said. Freestyle wrestlers could wear fight shorts and a tight-fitting microfiber T-shirt. Greco-Roman wrestlers may even go shirtless.
Taking the lead from the world of mixed martial arts, wrestling is thinking big and bold when it comes to showmanship. Staged weigh-ins, walk-out music, lighting, visual effects and video screen replays are being discussed.
FILA officials have had meetings with entertainment and broadcasting experts as well as potential sponsors to increase the sport's appeal.
The changes will be rolled out gradually, with the big unveiling at the 2015 world championships held in Las Vegas.
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