FILA probably doesn't worry themselves too much with folkstyle wrestling. FILA's bigger concern is keeping both styles of wrestling viable to the IOC (International Olympic Committee).

As you recall, the IOC eliminated a few sports, namely baseball and softball, for the 2004 Olympics. Also on the chopping block was Greco-Roman wrestling. But we recieved a temporary pardon. The IOC told FILA that had to do 3 things to keep both styles viable beyond 2012.

First, they had to modernize the sports. Second, they had to make them more exciting. Lastly, they had to present a greater difference between the two styles. The IOC has promised to leave wrestling both styles through 2012 but there is no guarantee beyond that.

Wrestling needs to "modernize and become more exciting" ... those are big challenges. The IOC recently has added "excitement" sports or x-game activities but I think that the tradition-laden tendencies of wrestling will make this extremely difficult!

We (wrestling people) need to try and evolve into a sport the public, perhaps more accurately ... the corporate world, will support. Thus we see the advent of Beach Wrestling, Sombo, and Grappling into the "wrestling" arena.

FILA and USAW have these mandates at the same time they have to deal with grumblings in their midst. The US has tens of thousand of kids wrestling folkstyle that feel no obligation to support the whole of wrestling!

The folkstyler’s claim the rules that exist in Freestyle and Greco are to blame. The IOC agrees. But the “erosion of the rules” in FS and GR will continue until 2012. These next 5 years are critical for wrestling in the Olympics.

Frankly, I don’t envy USAW. They have to address concerns that are pulling them in opposite directions! I know … that I will support USA Wrestling!!