08.22.2004:TheMat.com August 22 Report on U.S.A. Female Wrestlers

from themat.com :

"U.S. women win four of five bouts in first session of Olympic wrestling; Miranda wins twice, McMann and O'Donnell get pins
8/22/2004
Gary Abbott/USA Wrestling

The United States won four of their five bouts in the first session of women's freestyle wrestling at the Ano Liossia Olympic Hall in Athens, Greece, Sunday, August 22.

Women's wrestling is the newest sport in the Summer Olympic Games, and this was a historic day for the sport.

The United States opened with an impressive start, when 2003 World silver medalist Sara McMann (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) pinned 2001 World Champion Lili Meng of China in the first period at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., at 2:01

McMann scored the first two points with a tilt from the mat after Meng was hit with a passivity call. With the athletes back on their feet, McMann countered a Meng attack, stepping over and putting Meng to her back. McMann pressed down and scored the fall.

It was the first pin in the history of women's wrestling in the Olympic Games, one of the many milestones that will be set

The other athlete in McMann's pool draw is Canada's Viola Yanik, a 2003 World bronze medalist, who she will face in the 5:30 p.m. session on Sunday.

The U.S. won their next two matches that were held at the same time on the mats. Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. and Tela O'Donnell (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) at 55 kg/121 lbs. scored opening wins in very exciting bouts.

In her opening bout, Miranda stopped 2003 World bronze medalist Li Hui of China, 8-5. The first period was very close, with Miranda scoring late in the period to take a 5-4 lead at the break. In the second period, Miranda was able to turn Hui for exposure points and win the match."