A Wrestling gold for France after 84 years

Updated: 2008-08-13 18:16:48

Steeve Guénot wins the gold (Photo credit: Xinhua)

(BEIJING, August 13) -- Steeve Guénot became the new Olympic champion of the Men's Greco-Roman 66 kilogram Wrestling weight class after defeating Kanatbek Begaliev of Kyrgyzstan on August 13. He is also the first French Olympic Wrestling champion in 84 years.

The 22-year-old started the bout well, taking the first period 3-0. His opponent gained one point in the first par terre of the second period, but Guénot came back in the second par terre to take the period 3-1.

This is Guénot's best senior achievement by far. His older brother Christophe Guénot will compete in the 74kg weight class bronze bout.

The silver medalist, twenty-four-year-old Begaliev, placed 11th in Athens four years ago. He was also the silver medalist at the 2006 World Championships.