Guivi Sissaouri, won the silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but
his road for a berth in the 2000 Games was long and arduous. He was unable
to wrestle at two qualifying tournaments earlier this year becuase of a
knee injury and his Olympic hopes were bleak.
He returned to the mat at a meet in Japan. He placed an encouraging fifth
and that provided him some hope although the result wasn't enough to get
him a ticket to Sydney. But he landed the berth in the 58 kilograms
freestyle category with a victory at the Pan Am wrestling championships in
Cali Columbia, his last chance to qualify.
Sissaouri immigrated to Canada in 1988 and received his citizenship in
1995.
2000 Games
Sept. 30: 58-kg: Gia Sissaouri, Montreal, def. Talata Embalo, Guineau-Bisseau, by forfeit, in elimination round.
2000 Games Wrestling Coverage
