American wrestling star settles for bronze

ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- American Greco-Roman wrestler Rulon Gardner lost his attempt to win a second straight Olympic gold medal Wednesday, but still came away with a bronze.

Gardner then left his shoes on the mat, a symbolic gesture indicating he is retiring.

Gardner handed Alexsandr Karelin of Russia his only career loss four years ago in winning the 120-kilogram gold medal. His bid for another ended Wednesday with a semifinal loss to Georgiy Tsurtsumia of Kazakhstan.

The American then rebounded in the evening to defeat Sajad Barzi of Iran, 3-0, for the bronze.

"I decided (to retire) before the Games," Gardner said. "I wanted to end my career with the gold medal. I didn't make it, but I'm happy because I will not go home empty handed."

In the four years since his triumph, Gardner survived a frightful snowmobile accident that cost him a toe. He also came back from a serious wrist injury.

In Wednesday night's final, Tsurtsumia lost his gold medal match to Khasan Barov of Russia, 4-2.

Other winners in Greco-Roman wrestling were Hungarian Istvan Majoros (55kg), Farid Mansurov of Azerbaijan (66kg) and Alexei Michine of Russia (84kg).