The breaking of a men-only Olympic tradition, a poignant farewell by an all-American hero and a bright prospect from Egypt were the highlights of the wrestling events in Athens.
Women made their historic grand entry on to the Olympic mat for the first time, the only innovation of the 2004 Games, where the men conceded two sets of medals to accommodate them in two days of competition.
The four women's weight classes were dominated by the Japanese, who won two golds, a silver and a bronze in each of the four weight classes contested and the exciting conclusion dispelled a lacklustre start in the preliminary rounds.
Ukraine's Irini Merleni wrote her name into the Olympic history books by becoming the first woman wrestler ever to win a medal in the sport. She spoiled the party for the Japanese when she beat favourite Chiharu Icho in the under 48 kg category.