Golden moment for Baroev but Gardner calls it a day

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2004

ATHENS (AFP) — Former Olympic champion Rulon Gardner announced his retirement here after Russia's Khasan Baroev took his superheavyweight Greco-Roman wrestling title.

Baroev, the reigning world champion, underlined his superiority in the 120kg class by defeating Kazakhstan's Georgiy Tsurtsumia in a gripping final to take the gold medal.

Tsurtsumia ended Gardner's hopes of retaining his Olympic crown by winning their semi-final bout earlier in the day with a slick late throw.

However, Gardner, who caused one of the biggest upsets in wrestling history when he beat legendary Russian Alexander Karelin at the Sydney Games four years ago, did not leave empty-handed, pipping Iranian Sajad Barzi to the bronze medal.

In a symbolic gesture, Gardner left his...