"About 1992," he said. "I heard about this Russian wrestler who was amazing. But I really didn't know much about him until about five years ago."

Had he ever met anyone that strong?

As a matter of fact, he had, Gardner said. "A cow."

"Sometime if you get a chance, go on a dairy farm and find a cow and try to push it around," he said. "That's a lot like what it was like tonight."

A Russian journalist wanted to know if Kareline had said anything during the match.

To that question, Gardner reflected back to a time just before the overtime period ended, with both wrestlers upright and angling for position. Gardner had his one-point lead and was protecting it at all costs, with all his might, keeping the ever-dangerous Kareline at bay as they circled the ring.

Then, with about three seconds remaining, the Russian did a curious thing. He walked away to the center of the ring as the clock ticked down.

"He mumbled something in Russian," said Gardner. "I think it was basically, 'I give up.' "

---

Lee Benson's column will run daily during the Sydney Olympics. Please e-mail him at benson@desnews.com