Amazing! Lee Roy Smith To Accept Ancient Wrestling Artifact from Columbia in NYC

“We are excited to partner with Columbia University to tell the story behind this artifact,” said Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “Bringing this historic relic to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum and incorporating into our Origins of Sport exhibit will enhance our ability to showcase the historic value of wrestling.”

The actual document was uncovered during an archeological dig in Egypt during the late 1800s. In 1907, the fragment became part of a batch of papyrus shipped to Columbia University in New York. Columbia was the first college in the United States to offer wrestling.

“We plan on getting the world’s attention on this artifact,” said Smith. “You have the oldest known sporting manual on the oldest sport, brought to you by the oldest wrestling program in the United States.”

Wrestling historian Don Sayenga has worked extensively with Columbia University to obtain information about the historical artifact. The artifact, dated between 100 AD and 200 AD, is considered the oldest instruction book for any sport ever discovered.

The artifact is a guide for instructing two wrestlers through a series of standard moves and countermoves. The fragment, which is about 18 inches wide, is under the care of the Butler Library at Columbia University.

“This document helps wrestling as a sport if more people recognize that wrestling is the oldest sport,” said Sayenga. “Not only is wrestling the oldest sport, but it has indisputable artifacts recognized by other people. Scientists in other disciplines recognize this.”

Dignitaries from wrestling, politics, and academia will be in attendance for this special event held at Columbia University. Dan Gable, legendary coach and wrestler from the state of Iowa, will participate in the presentation. He is also namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum located in Waterloo, Iowa.

“I like it when the sport of wrestling gets pointed out from a historical point of view,” said Gable. “I want to be part of this presentation, just like I want to be part of future historical celebrations that include wrestling.”

That National Collegiate Athletic Association will be represented at the presentation as well. Joni Comstock, senior vice president of the NCAA championships, is enthusiastic about attending the event in October.

“The sport of wrestling is one of the oldest in the history of the NCAA, and it continues to stand the test of time as it is one of the great championships our organization sponsors,” said Comstock. “With the NCAA’s long-standing tradition in the sport of wrestling, it is exciting to see something that truly celebrates the history of the sport.”

This is an invitation only event. Inquiries from the media should contact Krista Graff at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at (405)377-5243 or kgraff@wrestlinghalloffame.org.