Wrestler battles dehydration

2008-08-21 11:58

Beijing - The national governing body of US Wrestling says freestyle wrestler Daniel Cormier became severely dehydrated after making weight for Thursday's matches at 96kg and he withdrew before he was to wrestle.

A spokesperson said Cormier weighed in on Wednesday afternoon at the China Agriculture University gymnasium, but became ill shortly thereafter and was treated by the medical staff at the athletes' village.

He was then taken to a local hospital with severe dehydration and cramping - a problem, if untreated, can lead to a reduced blood output, kidney malfunction and other severe health problems.

Good chance of winning medal

Cormier remained in hospital on Thursday.

Because Cormier had already weighed in, the US could not enter a replacement wrestler at his weight.

Cormier, the only returning US freestyle wrestler from the Athens Olympics, was considered to have a good chance of winning a medal. He was third in the world last year and was fourth in the 2004 Olympics, and won both the US nationals and the Olympic trials in Las Vegas.

Cormier, 29, has wrestled extensively on the international circuit since 2002.

- AP