Iowa legislators and Governor Terry Branstad sent a letter urging the International Olympic Committee to reconsider removing wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games.
The letter, dated February 14, 2013, is signed by Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, and congressmen Tom Latham, Steve King, Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack.
“The same spirit of competition that drove ancient wrestlers and early modern Olympians has transcended generations, and here in Iowa, we are the beneficiaries of this spirit. It is a sport where self-pride and determination battle and as a result, helps build character,” the letter said.
The group goes on to say interest in wrestling is worldwide and reaches far beyond Iowa and the United States.
They disagree with the IOC stand that the Olympics need occasional renewal and renovation, and think future decisions about which sports are included should be made by a vote.
