Athens, 23 August 2004, Games of the XXVIII Olympiad. (L to R) Chiharu ICHO of Japan (silver), Irini MERLENI of Ukraine (gold) and Angélique BERTHENET (bronze) of France receive their medals during the medal ceremony for the women's -48kg freestyle wrestling event at Ano Liossia Olympic Hall. Credit: Getty Images/Stuart Franklin

Born: 8 February 1982

Birthplace: Minitskoye (Ukraine)

Nationality: Ukraine

Sport: Wrestling

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Athens 2004

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 1

First Women's Wrestling Champion

Women's wrestling was included in the Olympic programme for the first time in 2004. Irini Merleni earned the honour of being the first gold medal-winner. In addition, she compiled the most impressive record of any of the winners in the four weight categories. Only 1.50 metres tall, she entered the Athens Olympics as a three-time world champion in the lightest weight division. In the preliminary round, Merleni easily defeated her three opponents, outscoring them 31-0 in only 4 minutes 36 seconds total. She shut out her semifinal opponent, Patricia Miranda of the United States, 9-0. In the final, Merleni finally met her match: Japan's Chiharu Icho, the reigning world champion in a higher weight category. The two struggled through an even contest. Trailing 1-2, Merleni tied the score with 2 ½ minutes left and then was awarded the victory by judges' decision.