Aug. 19, 2008
Former Missouri wrestler Ben Askren (Hartland, Wis.) finished his first Olympic Tournament with a 1-1 record, winning his opening round match by fall, but dropping match No. 2, 3-1, 4-0 in the 74 kg (163 pound) men's freestyle competition in Beijing, China.
Drawing Hungarian Istvan Vereb in the opening round, Askren came from behind, pinning his opponent in the second period for the eventual win. Askren lost the first period, 2-0. With the win, Askren advanced in the championship bracket and squared off with 2004 bronze medalist Ivan Fundora of Cuba.
Fundora held Askren at bay, winning the first two periods and sending the former Tiger grappler to await his Olympic fate on the sidelines.
Fundora's loss to two-time Olympic gold medalist Buvaysa Saytiev of Russia marked the end of Askren's Olympic run.
