When Is Wrestling in the Olympics? 2024 Schedule and Updates

By Emma Wilson · March 23, 2030

Wrestling will be part of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, with competition scheduled from August 5 to August 11, 2024. The sport has been reinstated after nearly being removed from the Olympic program in 2013 and remains a core sport through at least 2028.

History of Wrestling in the Olympic Games

Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the Olympic tradition, dating back to the ancient Greek games in 708 BCE. It was reintroduced in the modern Olympics in 1896 and has been featured in nearly every edition since.

Key Milestones in Olympic Wrestling

708 BCE: First recorded wrestling competition in the ancient Olympics
1896: Wrestling returns in the first modern Olympic Games in Athens
1904: Freestyle wrestling introduced at the St. Louis Games
2004: Women's freestyle wrestling added to the Olympic program
2013: IOC announces plan to drop wrestling after 2016; global reform leads to reinstatement
2024–2028: Wrestling confirmed as a core Olympic sport

Olympic Wrestling Formats and Categories

Two main styles are contested in the Olympics: Greco-Roman and Freestyle. Each style has weight classes for men and women.

Current Olympic Wrestling Events

Men's Freestyle: 61kg, 74kg, 86kg, 97kg, 125kg
Men's Greco-Roman: 60kg, 67kg, 77kg, 87kg, 97kg, 130kg
Women's Freestyle: 50kg, 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 68kg, 76kg

Olympic Year	Host City	Freestyle Events	Greco-Roman Events	Women's Events	Total Wrestling Medals
2012	London	7	7	4	18
2016	Rio de Janeiro	7	7	4	18
2020	Tokyo	6	6	6	18
2024	Paris	6	6	6	18

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a shift in event distribution, particularly the increase in women’s freestyle events from 4 to 6 between 2016 and 2020. While total medal opportunities have remained stable at 18, the gender balance in wrestling has improved significantly over the past decade.

Why Was Wrestling Almost Removed from the Olympics?

In 2013, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended dropping wrestling from the Olympic program due to concerns about governance, popularity, and lack of global reach compared to other sports.

Key Reasons for Initial Exclusion

Limited international participation relative to other combat sports
Governance issues within the international federation (FILA, now United World Wrestling)
Perceived lack of appeal to younger audiences
Stronger growth of judo and taekwondo in TV ratings and sponsorships

However, following major reforms—including leadership changes, rule updates, and expanded women’s divisions—wrestling was reinstated in 2013 for the 2020 and 2024 Games. It was later granted core sport status through 2028.

How Wrestling Qualifies Athletes for the Olympics

Athletes qualify through a combination of world championships, continental qualifiers, and final world tournaments. Each weight class awards a limited number of Olympic spots.

Qualification Pathways

Top 3 finishers in each weight class at the World Championships one year prior
Top 2 from each continent at regional qualification events
Final 5 spots awarded at the World Olympic Games Qualifier
Host nation guaranteed one spot per gender

NOCs (National Olympic Committees) can enter only one athlete per weight class, emphasizing the competitiveness of qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrestling in the Olympics

Is wrestling in the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Yes, wrestling will be held from August 5 to August 11, 2024, at the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris. Both freestyle and Greco-Roman events will take place, featuring 18 total medal events across men’s and women’s categories.

Why was wrestling almost removed from the Olympics?

Wrestling was targeted for removal in 2013 due to governance issues, limited global appeal, and competition from newer sports. However, after restructuring under United World Wrestling and expanding women’s events, it was reinstated and is now a core Olympic sport through 2028.

What are the two styles of Olympic wrestling?

The two styles are freestyle and Greco-Roman. In freestyle, athletes can use their legs and attack the opponent’s lower body. In Greco-Roman, holds below the waist are prohibited, emphasizing upper-body techniques.

When did women’s wrestling become an Olympic sport?

Women’s freestyle wrestling debuted at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Initially with four weight classes, it expanded to six by the 2020 Tokyo Games, matching the number of men’s freestyle events.

Will wrestling be in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

Yes, wrestling has been confirmed as a core sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The IOC granted it long-term status in 2023, ensuring its inclusion through at least 2028 despite periodic review cycles.