LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: From Sydney, a pair of stunning upsets by U.S. Olympians. The first came in the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling. Rulon Gardner, who had never won a world or national title, grabbed the gold by defeating the man many consider the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler in history. Alexander Karelin had never lost in international competition before. Our Steve Harrigan with reaction from Moscow.</s>STEVE HARRIGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If there was one thing Russians could be certain of, it was Alexander Karelin. Through Perestroika and Glasnost, Gorbachev and Yeltsin, in 13 years the superheavyweight wrestler never lost a match -- until now.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): A sensation in sports, the invincible Alexander Karelin has been defeated.</s>HARRIGAN: The 130-kilogram, 286-pound Siberian was considered a lock to bring home a fourth Olympic gold medal. The last time he faced his opponent in the finals, American Rulon Gardner, he not only beat him, he broke two of his ribs. The former dairy farmer knew what he was up against.</s>RULON GARDNER, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: I've never experienced somebody with the strength that he has. You know, the only thing that I've experienced is a cow. When a cow moves, it says: I'm moving, you better get out of my way! And that's kind of like wrestling Karelin.</s>HARRIGAN: The American hung on for a 1-to-0 victory, breaking the spell of a national hero.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I'm so upset. I was counting on him to win. It's very sad.</s>HARRIGAN: At age 33, Karelin has a second career to fall back on. Last year, the one-time tax policeman was elected to the Russian parliament. Steve Harrigan, CNN, Moscow.
Champion Toppled: Russian Greco-Roman Wrestler Alexander Karelin Loses First International Match, Gold Medal