Two styles exist:
1) Greco-Roman wrestling, which is actually neither Greek nor Roman in origin but was invented in Lyon in the 19th Century. It is a very popular sport in the Lyon area and several Olympic and World Champions have been produced. Use of the legs and leg holds are not allowed, meaning that the competitors are in an upright stance which results in very spectacular techniques described as "prises en souplesse" (which could be translated as "flexible holds and throws").
2) free style wrestling, in which leg holds are allowed as is general use of the legs in the build up to a hold. This is the style which was actually favoured by the ancient Greeks and the Romans! To counter attacks with legs, the competitors must adopt a lower guard than that used in Greco-Roman combat. |
Below is a non exhaustive list of the French Champions who have made it onto the podium at the World Championships or the Olympic Games. (An asterisk distinguishes the wrestlers from the judokas). If we have omitted the name of someone you know who has been awarded a medal at the Olympic Games or the World Championships, please let us know and we will rectify our error immediately.